The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against illegal arms trafficking, arresting four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike, were arrested in coordinated operations across Bayelsa and Imo states following weeks of intelligence-led investigations.
According to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, the arrests were made as part of ongoing efforts to unravel the network behind the unlawful possession and distribution of firearms in the state.
The investigation began after operatives recovered a Beretta pistol at a motor park in Effurun on May 1, 2026. Acting on intelligence, police tracked and arrested the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026.
During interrogation, Emmanuel reportedly confessed to purchasing the firearm from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before reselling it to a suspect identified simply as Desmond, who remains at large, for N380,000.
Police said Desmond subsequently arranged for the weapon to be transported to Effurun and allegedly contacted one Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to collect it and forward it to Sapele.
Following Emmanuel’s confession, detectives intensified their investigation and traced Amadi Princewill to Imo State, where he was arrested on May 15, 2026.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, in Owerri on May 16, 2026. Princewill allegedly told investigators that he had purchased the firearm from Felix for N200,000.
Police investigations also linked Clifford Boleyelefa to the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police disclosed that all four suspects are believed to be members of the notorious Black Axe confraternity.
CP Oyeniyi stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network, including the fleeing suspect, Desmond.
The police boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating illegal arms trafficking and criminal activities across Delta State, urging members of the public to continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in tracking down criminal elements.
