*Photo: Some valuables recovered from members of the syndicate *
The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on armed robbery and burglary syndicates operating within Warri and its environs with the arrest of members of a notorious gang specialising in the robbery of solar shops, electronic stores, and churches.
The arrest followed an investigation into a reported armed robbery incident in Okuokoko Community by operatives of Orerokpe Division, where four armed men operating in a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EFR-118 XB invaded a solar shop, held a sales representative at gunpoint, tied her with rope, and carted away solar batteries, inverters, phones, and other equipment valued at about fifteen million naira.
Acting on the report and other related complaints from churches and business owners, operatives launched an intelligence-led operation targeting the syndicate responsible for the series of robberies.
SP. Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command said in a press statement on Saturday that “The breakthrough came on 26 April 2026 at about 0900hrs when the sales representative identified two of the suspects in Osubi. Upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer Orerokpe Division immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, leading to the arrest of Ajeh Zephaniah, 28 years, and Anthony Okoro, 32 years, both residents of Osubi.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crimes and identified other gang members known simply as Elvis and Ochuko, who are currently at large. They also named some receivers of the stolen items, leading to the arrest of Arinze Ezisi of Okumagba Avenue, Warri, and Chinonso Valentine of Eboh Road, Warri.
“Further investigation led to the recovery of the gold-coloured Toyota Sienna used for the operations, while searches conducted on the suspects’ residences and shops, based on duly executed search warrants, resulted in the recovery of solar batteries, inverters, charge controllers, solar panels, televisions, electrical wires, cameras, church musical equipment, and other suspected stolen properties. The suspects were also allegedly responsible for several church robberies within Warri and Osubi, where musical and solar equipment valued at about eighty million naira were stolen.
“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, commended the operatives for the breakthrough and assured members of the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang members and recover the firearms used in the operations. He urged residents to continue supporting the Police with credible and timely information.”