The Delta State Police Command has apprehended an armed robbery syndicate and also recovered church equipment recently stolen by the group.
According to the Police, the gang specializes in robbing solar shops, electronic stores, and churches within Warri and its environs.
The arrest followed an investigation into an armed robbery incident in Okuokoko Community by Oretokpe Division operatives. The incident reportedly involved four armed men in a gold-colored Toyota Sienna who robbed a solar shop and carted away equipment. This included 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,” the Police stated.
Investigations led to the arrest of two suspects Ajeh Zephaniah, 28 years, and Anthony Okoro, 32 years, both residents of Osubi. The suspects reportedly confessed to the crimes and identified other gang members known as Elvis and Ochuko currently at large.
Additionally, the suspects named some recipients of the stolen items, leading to the arrest of three individuals.
Meanwhile, the Police stated that further investigations have led to the recovery of the Toyota Sienna vehicle used for operations. Police also recovered solar batteries, panels, inverters, televisions, cameras, and various church musical equipment, among others.
The Police stressed that;
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.
