The Delta State Police Command in Nigeria has arrested suspected robbers and recovered stolen goods, including musical equipment, guns, and other items, during an operation in the state. The police intercepted two Toyota Sienna vans carrying musical equipment along the Warri-Sapele Road on September 19, 2026, and arrested a 45-year-old suspect, Lawrence Onowenakpo. The vans were allegedly transporting equipment stolen from various locations, including a church.
Further investigation led police to a suspected gang hideout, where they recovered 22 air conditioners, 13 washing machines, 29 motorcycle and tricycle engines, guns, and other items. The police also found three locally made single-barrelled long guns and a live cartridge in the vans. The recovered items suggest that the suspected gang was involved in a large-scale robbery operation. The police have identified Ajeh Zephaniah, also known as "Fanta," as the alleged leader of the group.
According to the Delta State Police Command, Onowenakpo's preliminary questioning led them to a scrapyard in Warri, which police suspected was being used as the gang's operational base. The scrapyard was found to contain a large quantity of stolen goods, including television sets, a generator, a laptop, and more musical equipment. Some of the musical equipment was suspected to have been stolen from a church, although the police have not disclosed the identity of the church or the date of the alleged theft.
The police have linked the suspected gang to recent armed robbery incidents in the Kwale and Warri areas. Zephaniah and other suspected members who remain at large are being sought by investigators. The operation was part of a series of arrests announced by the Delta State Police Command. The police are continuing to investigate the case and are seeking more information from the public.
In a separate incident, police arrested 23-year-old Meshach Onovoisa in Ekpan after responding to a report about a man allegedly threatening people around the Scrap Yard area of Effurun-Sapele Road. A locally made single-barrelled gun was recovered from him. Additionally, three men - Agbaja Promise, Emmanuel Ovieh, and Odiri Dama - were arrested in Agbor while allegedly attempting to dispose of a Hijet minibus for ₦300,000 without producing ownership documents.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said investigations into the cases are ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, commended the officers and members of the public whose information contributed to the operations and urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police. The police are working to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice and that the stolen goods are recovered.
The recovery of the stolen goods and the arrest of the suspects are a significant achievement for the Delta State Police Command. The police will continue to work to prevent and investigate crimes in the state. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The police will also continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure the safety of the public.
Key points
- The Delta State Police Command recovered 22 air conditioners, 13 washing machines, and 29 motorcycle and tricycle engines, among other stolen items, from a suspected robbery hideout.
- A 45-year-old suspect, Lawrence Onowenakpo, was arrested in connection with the theft of musical equipment from a church and other locations.
- The police have identified Ajeh Zephaniah, also known as "Fanta," as the alleged leader of the suspected gang and are seeking him and other suspects who remain at large.
