A breakthrough has been recorded in Delta State after police operatives uncovered an alleged gun-running network linked to a firearm recovered in Effurun.
The development has raised fresh concerns about how illegal weapons move across state lines and end up in the hands of criminal groups.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the arrest of four suspects believed to be connected to the movement and sale of a Beretta pistol recovered earlier in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.
The arrests followed weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations carried out across different states.
What makes the case even more surprising is the trail investigators reportedly followed from Delta State to Bayelsa and Imo states.
According to police findings, the firearm changed hands several times before it was eventually traced by security operatives.
The arrests were announced during a press briefing by the Delta State Police Command. Authorities said the operation was launched after a Beretta pistol was recovered at a park in Effurun on May 1, 2026.
According to the police, the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026. His arrest was said to have opened the door to further discoveries within the alleged criminal network.
Police disclosed that Chukwuemeka allegedly admitted purchasing the weapon from another suspect before reselling it at a higher price.
The command stated:
“Emmanuel revealed that he bought the gun from one Amadi Princewill for the sum of Two Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira (#290,000) and sold the gun to one Desmond (at large) for the sum of Three Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (#380,000) who in turn way billed it to Effurun and contacted Oghenemine Ogidi (now deceased) to collect it and send to Sapele.”
Furthermore, investigators reportedly acted on the information obtained during questioning. As a result, another suspect, Amadi Princewill, was tracked and arrested in Imo State on May 15, 2026.
During interrogation, Princewill allegedly provided additional details that led officers to another suspect.
The police said:
“Upon the arrest of Amadi Princewill, and on interrogation, he stated that he bought the gun from one Amadi Felix for the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (#200,000).”
Consequently, Amadi Felix was traced and arrested in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026. Meanwhile, another suspect identified as Clifford Boleyelefa was also taken into custody as investigations expanded.
According to the command, preliminary findings suggest that all the suspects are members of the Black Axe confraternity. However, further investigations are still being conducted to establish the full scope of their activities.
Moreover, police authorities revealed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals connected to the case. One suspect identified as Desmond remains at large and is currently being hunted by security operatives.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved in the operation. He noted that intelligence-led policing continues to play a key role in tackling organised crime.
In addition, the command assured residents that all suspects would be charged in court after investigations are completed.
