The Delta State Police Command has apprehended four individuals suspected of being members of a gun-running syndicate connected to the unlawful possession of a Beretta pistol recovered at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, announced the arrests in a statement on Monday, noting that they followed extensive investigations and intelligence-led operations conducted by command operatives across Bayelsa and Imo states.
The investigation began after the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a park in Effurun on May 1, 2026. The suspects—Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike—were traced and arrested for their alleged involvement in the illegal firearms network.
CP Oyeniyi explained that the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, along with his friend and roommate, whose mobile phone he reportedly used to communicate and facilitate the firearm purchase. During interrogation, Emmanuel allegedly confessed to buying the pistol from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 and then selling it to a suspect identified only as Desmond, who is currently at large, for N380,000.
Investigators further established that Desmond arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and contacted one Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to collect and deliver it to Sapele. Acting on Emmanuel's information, police tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026.
Further interrogation of Princewill led investigators to another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, whom he identified as the source of the firearm. Princewill told detectives he purchased the pistol from Felix for N200,000. Based on this confession, operatives arrested Amadi Felix in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026.
The police disclosed that investigations revealed all suspects are alleged members of the Black Axe confraternity. CP Oyeniyi stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, while efforts continue to apprehend other syndicate members, including the fleeing suspect, Desmond.
He reiterated the command's commitment to combating illegal arms trafficking and other criminal activities across the state, assuring residents that security agencies will continue to pursue individuals involved in crimes threatening public safety.
