The Delta State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the unlawful possession of a Beretta pistol and the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun.

Ogidi was reportedly fatally shot by police personnel at a park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Council of Delta State.

The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the State Police Headquarters in Asaba, stating that the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations conducted by operatives of the command across Bayelsa State and Imo State.

According to the police commissioner, the suspects identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike were apprehended in connection with a gun-running network that allegedly facilitated the movement of the firearm.

Oyeniyi explained that the breakthrough followed extensive investigations into the source and movement of the Beretta pistol.

He revealed that on May 4, 2026, operatives arrested Emmanuel Chukwuemeka in Bayelsa State alongside his friend and roommate, whose mobile phone was allegedly used as a communication channel during the purchase of the firearm.

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

The police commissioner said investigations further revealed that Desmond arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and subsequently contacted the late Oghenemine Ogidi to receive it and facilitate its delivery to Sapele.

Acting on information provided by Chukwuemeka, detectives tracked and arrested Amadi Princewill in Imo State on May 15, 2026. Further interrogation allegedly led investigators to another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, who was arrested in Owerri, Imo State, on May 16, 2026.

Oyeniyi stated that Princewill confessed to purchasing the firearm from Amadi Felix for N200,000, exposing another layer of the alleged gun-running syndicate.

He disclosed that preliminary investigations identified all the suspects as members of the Black Axe confraternity, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and additional suspects connected to the case.

The police commissioner assured that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while security operatives continue efforts to locate and arrest Desmond and other fleeing accomplices.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals connected to the illegal arms supply chain are brought to justice.

Speaking with journalists, one of the suspects, Chukwuemeka, an Agricultural Sciences graduate of Niger Delta University, admitted purchasing the firearm from Amadi Princewill for N290,000.

The 26-year-old Princewill claimed he later sold the weapon to Desmond, who allegedly said he required it for security purposes.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has ordered enhanced security measures following reports of a threatening notice allegedly pasted at a school claiming that bandits intended to attack and abduct schoolchildren.

The commissioner directed an immediate assessment of the situation and ordered the deployment of security measures across the affected area and other strategic locations within the state.

According to him, police personnel, in collaboration with other security agencies, have been deployed to ensure the safety of schools, critical infrastructure and communities.

The police commissioner said the command would not tolerate attempts by miscreants, bandits, kidnappers or other criminal elements to threaten the peace and safety of residents.

He warned that any individual or group found engaging in acts capable of causing fear, panic or insecurity would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The command also reassured parents, guardians, school authorities and residents that there was presently no verified intelligence indicating any imminent threat of attack within Lagos State.

According to the police, while every security concern is treated seriously, members of the public were advised to remain calm and avoid panic.

The command emphasised that Lagos State remains secure and that every lawful measure is being taken to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating or operating within the state. (Guardian)