The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of an alleged gun-running syndicate linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba on Monday, stating that the arrests followed weeks of intelligence-driven investigations by the command’s operatives.
According to the police, the case originated from the recovery of an illegally possessed Beretta pistol at a park in Effurun on May 1, 2026, prompting detectives to launch a manhunt for those behind the movement and sale of the firearm.
The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike. Police said they were arrested in coordinated operations carried out across Bayelsa and Imo states.
CP Oyeniyi explained that the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was apprehended in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside a friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used to facilitate communication for the purchase of the weapon.
“Investigation revealed that Emmanuel Chukwuemeka purchased the firearm from one Amadi Princewill for the sum of N290,000 and later sold it to a suspect identified as Desmond, who is currently at large, for N380,000,” the police commissioner stated.
He added that further findings showed that Desmond arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and allegedly contacted one Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to collect the weapon and move it to Sapele.
Following Emmanuel’s confession, detectives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026.
“During interrogation, Amadi Princewill confessed that he purchased the gun from one Amadi Felix for the sum of N200,000,” Oyeniyi said.
The police commissioner noted that operatives subsequently trailed and arrested Amadi Felix Chibuike in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026.
According to the command, preliminary investigations indicate that all the suspects are members of the Black Axe confraternity.
“The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate, including the fleeing suspect known as Desmond,” the commissioner added.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks operating within and beyond the state.
The command also urged residents to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in curbing violent crimes and improving public safety across Delta State.
