The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on illegal arms trafficking with the arrest of four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The arrests followed an intensive investigation into a case of unlawful possession of a firearm after operatives recovered the pistol at a transport park in Effurun on May 1, 2026.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed the development during a press briefing on Monday June 8, 2026, stating that the suspects were apprehended through intelligence-led operations conducted across Bayelsa and Imo states.
According to the police, the suspects identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike are believed to be members of a gun-running network involved in the illegal procurement and distribution of firearms.
Investigations revealed that the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside his friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used to facilitate communication during the firearm transaction.
During interrogation, Chukwuemeka reportedly confessed to purchasing the Beretta pistol from Amadi Princewill for the sum of N290,000 before reselling it to a suspect identified as Desmond, who remains at large, for N380,000.
Police further disclosed that Desmond subsequently arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and allegedly contacted one Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to receive the weapon and facilitate its movement to Sapele.
Acting on information obtained during the investigation, operatives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026.
According to the Command, Princewill confessed during questioning that he had acquired the firearm from another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, for N200,000.
This led investigators to launch a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of Amadi Felix in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026.
The Police Command stated that preliminary investigations indicate that all the arrested suspects are members of the Black Axe confraternity.
CP Oyeniyi said the arrests underscore the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks involved in the proliferation of illegal firearms and other violent crimes across the state.
He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the fleeing suspect identified as Desmond.
The Commissioner of Police further disclosed that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its resolve to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating illegal arms trafficking, cult-related activities, and other criminal threats, while urging members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information.
