Police catch four suspected gunrunners in Bayelsa and Imo

The Delta State Police have arrested four people suspected of being part of a gun-running group. They were caught after the police found a Beretta pistol at a park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

The suspects are Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike. They were arrested in Bayelsa and Imo States. The police said this followed smart operations and thorough investigations.

The police shared this information in a press briefing on Monday. The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, spoke about the arrests.

The case is linked to the unlawful possession of a gun that was recovered on May 1, 2026, in Effurun. The police started making progress after Emmanuel Chukwuemeka was arrested in Bayelsa State on May 4, 2026. He was with a friend whose phone was said to have been used for the transaction.

During questioning, Emmanuel confessed that he bought the firearm from Amadi Princewill for ₦290,000. He later sold it to a buyer named Desmond, who is still on the run. Emmanuel said that Desmond resold the weapon and moved it to Effurun, where it was connected to a deceased person named Oghenemine Ogidi. Ogidi was supposed to deliver it to Sapele. After his confession, the police tracked down and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026.

The police reported that Princewill also admitted during questioning that he bought the gun from Amadi Chibuike for ₦200,000. This led to the arrest of Amadi Chibuike in Owerri on May 16, 2026. The police mentioned that all the suspects are believed to be members of the Black Axe confraternity. They are still trying to catch other members of the group, including Desmond.

The police stated that the suspects will face charges in court once the investigation is complete. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka claimed he did not fully understand the situation involving the deceased person.

He said he only knew Desmond as someone who often came to their area and denied having full knowledge of how things happened. Emmanuel also confirmed he is a member of the Neo Black Movement. He joined the group on January 7, 2026, and insisted he has not been involved in any criminal acts since joining.

“I earn a living through my personal business activities,” he said. The police confirmed that investigations continue as they work to find other members of the group who are still at large.

CP Oyeniyi assured that the Command is dedicated to breaking down criminal networks involved in illegal arms dealing in the state.