Delta Police Bust Suspected Gun-Running Syndicate, Arrest Four Across Bayelsa, Imo

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of an alleged gun-running syndicate linked to the illegal movement and sale of firearms, following the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba on Monday, describing the arrests as the outcome of weeks of intelligence-driven investigations by operatives of the command.

According to the police, the investigation began on May 1, 2026, after a Beretta pistol was recovered at a transport park in Effurun, prompting detectives to launch a manhunt to uncover those responsible for trafficking the weapon.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike. They were arrested during coordinated operations carried out in Bayelsa and Imo states.

CP Oyeniyi explained that Emmanuel Chukwuemeka was first arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside a friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used to facilitate communication relating to the firearm transaction.

Investigations revealed that Chukwuemeka allegedly purchased the pistol from Amadi Princewill for ₦290,000 before reselling it to a suspect identified simply as Desmond, who remains at large, for ₦380,000.

According to the police commissioner, further investigations showed that Desmond arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and allegedly contacted one Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to receive the weapon and move it to Sapele.

Acting on information obtained from Chukwuemeka, detectives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15.

During interrogation, Princewill reportedly confessed that he bought the firearm from Amadi Felix Chibuike for ₦200,000.

The police subsequently arrested Chibuike in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, further expanding the scope of the investigation.

Preliminary findings, according to the command, indicate that the suspects are members of the Black Axe confraternity and may be linked to a wider network involved in the illegal supply and distribution of firearms.

CP Oyeniyi said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the fleeing suspect, Desmond.

The commissioner reaffirmed the command's commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal arms and dismantling criminal networks operating within and outside Delta State.

He also appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at curbing violent crime and enhancing public safety across the state.