Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have successfully dismantled a notorious syndicate specializing in stealing musical instruments from churches across the state.
The breakthrough came after several weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance prompted by complaints from concerned residents.
On September 16, 2025, responding to a distress call about an imminent armed attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel, patrol teams from Ogwashi-Uku Division and local vigilantes intercepted a gold-colored Toyota Sienna van with two suspects, Emmanuel Emiowor (21) and Noah Philip (20), both from Warri.
A search of the suspects and vehicle yielded one pump action gun, three single barrel locally made guns, a locally fabricated revolver, one live cartridge, and an iron rod used for breaking church doors.
The suspects confessed to being members of the syndicate specializing in attacking churches and stealing musical instruments.
Some of the stolen items have been recovered, while the suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Delta State Police Commissioner CP Olufemi Abaniwonda directed officers to ensure the syndicate members are brought to justice.