The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the unlawful possession of a Beretta pistol recovered at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, revealing that the arrests followed extensive investigations and intelligence-led operations conducted by operatives of the command across Bayelsa and Imo states.

According to the police, the investigation stemmed from the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a park in Effurun on May 1, 2026.

The suspects identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike were subsequently traced and arrested for their alleged roles in the illegal firearms network.

The police commissioner stated that the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026, alongside his friend and roommate, whose mobile phone he reportedly used to communicate and facilitate the purchase of the firearm.

During interrogation, Emmanuel allegedly confessed to purchasing the pistol from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before selling it to a suspect identified simply as Desmond, who is currently at large, for N380,000.

Investigators further established that Desmond subsequently arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and contacted one Oghenemine Ogidi, now deceased, to collect it and deliver it to Sapele.

Acting on the information provided by Emmanuel, police operatives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026.

Further interrogation of Princewill reportedly led investigators to another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, whom he identified as the source of the firearm. Princewill told detectives that he purchased the pistol from Felix for N200,000.

Based on the confession, operatives trailed and arrested Amadi Felix in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026.

The police disclosed that investigations revealed that all the suspects are alleged members of the Black Axe confraternity.

CP Oyeniyi said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate, 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 would continue to pursue individuals involved in crimes threatening public safety.