Police Arrest Four Members of a Gun Running Syndicate in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate allegedly linked to the recovery of an illegal Beretta pistol in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Asaba, stating that the suspects were apprehended during intelligence-driven operations conducted across Bayelsa and Imo states.

According to the police commissioner, the arrests stemmed from investigations into a Beretta pistol recovered at a transport park in Effurun on May 1, 2026.

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

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

“Desmond reportedly arranged for the weapon to be transported to Effurun and contacted the now-deceased Oghenemine Ogidi to retrieve it and forward it to Sapele,” the commissioner said.

Acting on intelligence gathered during interrogation, police operatives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15.

Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, in Owerri on May 16 after Princewill allegedly confessed to obtaining the firearm from him.

The police boss added that a fourth suspect, identified as Clifford Boleyelefa, was also arrested in connection with the alleged gun-running syndicate.

Oyeniyi said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the network, including the fleeing suspect, Desmond, while efforts are being intensified to dismantle illegal arms trafficking operations within and beyond Delta State.

The Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state.