The Delta State Police Command has arrested five suspected armed robbers in separate operations across Orerokpe, Ekpan and Agbor, recovering four locally made guns, three vehicles, three motorcycles, and a large quantity of suspected stolen property, including church musical equipment.
The command said the coordinated operations were part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and improve security across the state.
The biggest breakthrough came on September 19 when operatives of the Orerokpe Division, working with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult Group in Osubi, intercepted two Toyota Sienna vehicles carrying musical equipment under suspicious circumstances along the Warri-Sapele Road.
According to the police, the occupants abandoned the vehicles and fled after spotting security operatives. However, one suspect, Lawrence Onowenakpo, 45, was arrested.
A search of the vehicles led to the recovery of three locally made single-barreled long guns and one live cartridge.
Police said the suspect, during interrogation, identified Ajeh Zephaniah, also known as “Fanta,” as the alleged leader of the gang.
Investigators alleged that Zephaniah had previously been arrested and arraigned for armed robbery but was later granted bail on health grounds.
Acting on the information, the joint security team raided a scrap yard in Warri believed to be the group’s operational base.
During the operation, officers recovered three motorcycles, 22 air conditioners, 13 washing machines, 29 motorcycle and tricycle engines, church musical equipment, television sets, a generator, a laptop and several other items suspected to have been stolen.
Preliminary investigations, according to the command, suggest that the gang may be linked to recent armed robbery attacks in the Kwale and Warri areas. Police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.
In a separate operation the same day, operatives attached to the Ekpan Division responded to a distress call about a man allegedly threatening residents around the Scrap Yard area along the Effurun-Sapele Road.
The police arrested Meshach Onovoisa, 23, and recovered a locally made single-barreled gun from him.
According to the command, the suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation that he was involved in armed robbery. The investigation is continuing.
Also on September 19, operatives of the Agbor Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested Agbaja Promise, 20, Emmanuel Ovieh, 25, and Odiri Dama, 25, all from Benin City, Edo State.
The suspects were allegedly trying to sell a Hijet mini bus with registration number BEN-485-XH for ₦300,000 without providing ownership documents.
Police recovered the vehicle and later traced and contacted its rightful owner. The suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
Armed robbery, vehicle theft and burglary remain major security concerns in parts of Delta State, prompting the police to intensify intelligence-driven operations and strengthen collaboration with local security groups and residents.
Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, praised the officers involved and members of the public whose information contributed to the successful arrests.
The police commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to enhance public safety.
