The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the recovery of an illegal Beretta pistol in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, following a series of intelligence-led operations across Bayelsa and Imo States. The arrests, made in May 2026, are part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal arms trafficking and enhance security in the region. Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed the details during a press briefing in Asaba, emphasizing the significance of the operation in disrupting a network involved in arms smuggling.
The investigation began after a Beretta pistol was recovered at a transport park in Effurun on May 1, 2026. Police traced the weapon’s origin through intelligence gathered during interrogations and surveillance. The first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was apprehended in Bayelsa State on May 4, along with his roommate, whose phone was allegedly used to coordinate the firearm transaction. According to CP Oyeniyi, Chukwuemeka purchased the pistol from Amadi Princewill for ₦290,000 and later resold it to another suspect, Desmond, for ₦380,000.
Desmond, who remains at large, reportedly arranged for the weapon to be transported to Effurun and contacted Oghenemine Ogidi, who has since died, to retrieve and deliver the gun to Sapele. This chain of events provided crucial leads for law enforcement, leading to further arrests. Acting on information from Chukwuemeka’s interrogation, police operatives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15.
Further investigations revealed that Princewill had obtained the firearm from Amadi Felix Chibuike, who was subsequently apprehended in Owerri on May 16. Chibuike’s arrest was made possible after Princewill confessed to sourcing the weapon from him. The fourth suspect, Clifford Boleyelefa, was also arrested in connection with the syndicate, bringing the total number of apprehended individuals to four.
The police have not yet disclosed whether any other suspects are still being pursued, but the operation highlights the growing collaboration between state commands and intelligence units in tackling arms proliferation. The recovery of the Beretta pistol and the arrest of key players in the syndicate underscore the commitment of Delta State Police to combat gun violence and maintain public safety.
This case adds to a broader national concern over illegal firearms, especially in the Niger Delta region, where arms trafficking often fuels insecurity and criminal activities. Authorities are expected to continue their efforts to dismantle similar networks and prevent weapons from falling into the hands of criminals. The arrests serve as a warning to those involved in arms smuggling that law enforcement is actively monitoring and disrupting such operations.
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