Police arrests man who purchased gun via Snapchat

Fresh concerns have emerged over the growing link between social media platforms and illegal arms trafficking following the arrest of a suspect in Delta State for allegedly purchasing a prohibited firearm online.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest, revealing that the suspect was found in possession of a Beretta pistol allegedly acquired through Snapchat raising questions about how digital platforms are being exploited for underground weapons trade.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a video shared on Tuesday, where he displayed the recovered weapon and warned against the increasing trend of illegal arms acquisition.

While unveiling the contents of a bag carried by the suspect, Edafe said, “This is a Beretta pistol, not even fabricated. It has the magazine and two 9mm ammunition,” stressing that such weapons are restricted to authorised security agencies.

The suspect, identified as Igbunu Evans from Sapele, admitted during interrogation that he sourced the firearm through social media, stating that he “ordered it through Snapchat from a smoke vendor” and paid N450,000 for its delivery.

His confession points to a potentially wider, unregulated network where firearms are marketed and sold through encrypted or informal online channels, often disguised under unrelated trades such as “smoke vending.”

Explaining his motive, the suspect claimed the weapon was “for safety purposes against any unknown gunmen or kidnappers,” but also admitted to involvement in internet fraud, revealing he had been engaged in such activities for “three to four years.”

Reacting to the case, Edafe linked the incident to a broader pattern of interconnected crimes, warning that “internet fraud, cultism, abuse of illicit substances, and now gun possession” illustrate how “one crime gives birth to another.”

He reiterated that possession of such weapons remains illegal, stating that the Beretta pistol “is a prohibited firearm that can only be linked to government security agencies,” adding that individuals cannot legally acquire such arms under the guise of self-defence.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody and will be charged to court, as authorities continue to probe the digital channels facilitating the illegal arms trade.