Police arrest four suspected gunrunners in Delta

The Nigeria Police Force in Delta state has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol and a related extrajudicial killing case in the state.

The arrests reportedly followed weeks of coordinated intelligence-led operations across Bayelsa and Imo States after security operatives recovered a firearm at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area, on May 1.

Yemi Oyeniyi, Delta state commissioner of police disclosed the development during a briefing at the state police headquarters in Asaba, saying the operation led to the disruption of a wider arms trafficking network.

According to him, investigations revealed that Nuhu Usman,  a dismissed assistant superintendent of police who was earlier seen in a viral video involving the shooting of a suspect, has also been returned to Delta State for prosecution alongside other suspects.

He added that the case file had already been transmitted to the office of the state Attorney-General for legal review and prosecution.

Police investigation reportedly began after the recovery of the pistol, which led detectives to Bayelsa state, where the first suspect, Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, was arrested on May 4.

During interrogation, Chukwuemeka allegedly confessed to acquiring the firearm for N290,000 and selling it for N380,000 to another suspect identified as Desmond, who is currently at large.

Further findings indicated that Desmond allegedly coordinated the movement of the weapon to Effurun, where it was intended to be delivered to another suspect in Sapele.

Subsequent intelligence operations led officers to Imo State, where another suspect, Amadi Princewill, was arrested on May 15. He reportedly told investigators he obtained the firearm from Amadi Felix Chibuike for N200,000.

Based on this lead, police operatives later arrested Chibuike in Owerri on May 16.

The Commissioner of Police said the suspects are believed to be linked to a confraternity group and will face charges upon completion of ongoing investigations.

He also confirmed that efforts are still underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate, including the fugitive suspect identified as Desmond.

The case has drawn public attention following outrage over the killing of Oghenemine Ogidi, who was shot shortly after his arrest, an incident that sparked calls for accountability and disciplinary action within the police force.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as they work to bring all individuals involved to justice.