The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate allegedly linked to the movement and sale of an illegal firearm recovered in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area.

Police said the arrests followed weeks of intelligence-led investigations after a Beretta pistol was recovered at a transport park in Effurun on 1 May 2026.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill and Amadi Felix Chibuike. Authorities said they were apprehended during separate operations in Bayelsa and Imo states.

According to the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeyini, investigators traced the firearm supply chain through a series of arrests and confessions.

Police said Emmanuel Chukwuemeka was arrested in Bayelsa State on 4 May alongside a friend and roommate whose phone was allegedly used to communicate during the firearm transaction.

Investigators said Chukwuemeka admitted purchasing the pistol from Amadi Princewill for N290,000 before selling it to a man identified as Desmond, who remains at large, for N380,000.

According to police, Desmond allegedly arranged for the firearm to be transported to Effurun and contacted Oghenemine Ogidi, who is now deceased, to collect it and facilitate its movement to Sapele.

How the investigation unfolded

Police said information obtained from Chukwuemeka led officers to Imo State, where Amadi Princewill was arrested on 15 May.

During interrogation, Princewill allegedly told investigators he had purchased the firearm from another suspect, Amadi Felix Chibuike, for N200,000.

Authorities said Amadi Felix was subsequently tracked and arrested in Owerri on 16 May.

The command also identified Clifford Boleyelefa as one of the suspects linked to the alleged gun-running network.

Police allege cult links

The Delta State Police Command said all four suspects are members of the Black Axe confraternity.

The allegation has not been tested in court, and the suspects have not publicly responded to the claims.

Police said the suspects would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Why it matters

Illegal firearms remain a major security concern across parts of Nigeria, where authorities continue efforts to disrupt criminal networks involved in gun trafficking, cult-related violence and armed crime.

Security analysts say dismantling firearm supply chains is often more effective than focusing solely on end users because it can prevent weapons from reaching criminal groups.

The arrests come amid broader law enforcement efforts to curb the circulation of illegal weapons in the Niger Delta region and neighbouring states.

What police said

Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeyini said:

“As a follow up on the case of unlawful possession of a berretta pistol recovered at a park in Effurun, Uvwie LGA on 1st May 2026, four suspects who are part of the gun running syndicate have been arrested.”

He added that investigations remain ongoing and that efforts are underway to arrest other suspects linked to the case.

Police said a manhunt continues for Desmond and other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged syndicate.

What happens next?

Investigators are expected to conclude their inquiries before filing formal charges.

The police command says additional arrests may follow as efforts continue to identify and apprehend other members of the network.

As with all criminal investigations, the suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted large consignments of opioids concealed in a truck carrying building materials in Taraba State and arrested several suspected drug traffickers across Nigeria, including a 75-year-old man in Ebonyi State.

The operations, carried out in multiple states over the past week, are part of the agency’s ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks and illicit substance distribution nationwide.

Massive opioid haul uncovered in Taraba

The biggest seizure was recorded in Taraba State, where NDLEA operatives intercepted a truck transporting building materials from Onitsha in Anambra State to Jalingo.

According to the agency, intelligence-led operations on Saturday led officers to conduct a detailed search of the vehicle at Nukkai Timber Shade in Jalingo, where a large cache of illicit drugs was discovered hidden beneath the cargo.

A 22-year-old suspect, Buhari Abdullahi, was arrested during the operation.

The recovered substances included:

– 320,840 capsules of tramadol

– 600 ampoules of pentazocine injection

– 4,500 tablets of Rohypnol

– 299 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup

The seizure represents one of the largest opioid interceptions announced by the agency in recent weeks.

Elderly suspect arrested in Ebonyi

In Ebonyi State, NDLEA operatives arrested a 75-year-old man identified as Okebe Samuel in Okposi.

Officials said the suspect was found with 300 grams of skunk, a strain of cannabis, allegedly packaged in small retail quantities for sale.

The agency said the arrest demonstrates that enforcement efforts target offenders regardless of age.

Female suspects among those arrested

Several female suspects were also arrested during separate operations in Edo, Imo and other states.

In Imo State, officers raided a known drug enclave in Umulolo, Orlu, leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Chioma Okeke.

NDLEA said approximately eight kilograms of skunk were recovered during the raid.

Meanwhile, in Edo State, a coordinated sweep of drug hotspots across Benin City resulted in multiple arrests.

At Uyosa, operatives arrested Chioma Igba, 24, and Precious Ozomah, 22, with quantities of skunk, Loud and methamphetamine.

Another suspect, Anita Abraham, 21, was arrested along Agbor Road with suspected illicit substances, while 43-year-old Henry Okey was apprehended at Upper Mission with various psychotropic drugs.

Arrests in Kano and Gombe

In Kano State, NDLEA officers arrested 19-year-old Saifullahi Lawan at the Kafi area of Madobi.

Authorities said he was found with 40 blocks of skunk weighing approximately 38 kilograms.

In Gombe State, operatives intercepted 28-year-old Ugwu Sabastine Ifebuchi near Dantiti Plaza in the Tumfure area.

The suspect was allegedly carrying 15,000 capsules of tramadol.

Why the seizures matter

Nigeria continues to face growing concerns over the abuse and illegal distribution of opioids, particularly tramadol and codeine-based substances.

Public health experts have repeatedly warned that widespread misuse of prescription and controlled drugs contributes to addiction, mental health challenges, crime and social instability.

Security analysts also note that disrupting supply chains remains a critical strategy in reducing access to illicit substances, especially among young people.

The latest NDLEA operations highlight the increasing sophistication of trafficking methods, with suspects concealing drugs in legitimate cargo and using multiple transportation routes across states.

NDLEA expands anti-drug awareness campaign

Beyond enforcement activities, the agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy programme in schools across the country.

Awareness lectures were delivered to students and staff of:

– Holiness Foundation Primary School, Saki, Oyo State

– Dorras High School, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State

– Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha, Anambra State

– Army Day Secondary School, Kano State

The programme aims to educate young Nigerians on the dangers of substance abuse and drug addiction.

Marwa commends officers

Reacting to the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised officers involved in the arrests and seizures.

“The agency remains fully committed to dismantling drug supply chains and will continue to target traffickers regardless of age, gender, or concealment methods.”

Marwa also commended personnel in Taraba, Ebonyi, Imo, Edo, Kano and Gombe states for what he described as their resilience and vigilance.

He urged commands nationwide to sustain a balance between reducing drug supply and preventing drug demand through public education and awareness campaigns.

What happens next?

The NDLEA is expected to continue investigations into the seized consignments and pursue potential links to wider trafficking networks.

Authorities say efforts will remain focused on intercepting illicit drugs before they reach communities while expanding preventive education programmes targeted at young people.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted consignments of illicit drugs hidden inside water purifier machines shipped from the Netherlands to Lagos.

According to the agency, operatives discovered the drugs during an inspection at a courier company in Lagos on 26 May.

The seizure included 3 kilograms of ketamine and 199 grams of MDMA (Ecstasy) pills, both concealed within the imported machines in what officials described as an attempt to evade detection.

The latest interception highlights growing concerns among security agencies over the increasingly sophisticated methods used by international drug trafficking networks to move narcotics into Nigeria.

Couple Arrested After Seizure of More Than One Tonne of Skunk in Kaduna

In a separate operation in Kaduna State, NDLEA operatives arrested a couple, Musa Sunday and Mercy Sunday, alongside Salomi Ezekiel, 38.

The arrests followed the recovery of 100 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 1,246 kilograms from a residence in the Gonin Gora area of Kaduna on 24 May.

The seizure is among the largest cannabis-related busts reported by the agency in recent weeks.

Why It Matters

Drug trafficking remains a major security and public health concern in Nigeria.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that the illegal drug trade fuels organised crime, addiction, violence and broader social challenges, particularly among young people.

Security experts say large-scale seizures such as those recorded in Kaduna disrupt criminal supply chains and reduce the availability of illicit substances in local communities.

NDLEA Intercepts 380 Rounds of Military-Grade Ammunition

In another operation in Kaduna, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Abuja-Kaduna highway intercepted a suspect identified as Sunusi Musa, 30.

The agency said he was found carrying 380 rounds of military-grade 7.62mm ammunition allegedly destined for Katsina State.

NDLEA said both the suspect and the ammunition have been transferred to the relevant security agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The discovery underscores ongoing concerns among security agencies over the movement of illegal weapons and ammunition across parts of northern Nigeria.

Warehouse Raid Leads to Major Drug Recovery in Niger State

In Niger State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a warehouse in Gidan Kukah, Bosso Local Government Area.

The operation led to the recovery of 457 kilograms of skunk on 27 May.

Officials also arrested Godwin Zakka, 46, at his residence in Gbeganu, Minna, in connection with the seizure.

Investigators are expected to continue efforts to identify additional suspects and determine the distribution network linked to the warehouse.

Thousands of Tramadol Pills Seized on Enugu Highway

Meanwhile, in Enugu State, NDLEA operatives intercepted a commercial vehicle travelling towards Taraba State along the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway on 28 May.

A search of the vehicle uncovered:

22,000 pills of tramadol

100 ampoules of pentazocine

200 grams of bromazepam

The agency said James Maigari Wisdom was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Public health specialists have repeatedly warned about the abuse of tramadol and other prescription medications, citing links to addiction, impaired judgment and other health risks.

NDLEA Expands Anti-Drug Awareness Campaign

Alongside enforcement operations, the agency said it continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) awareness campaign across schools and communities nationwide.

Recent sensitisation activities were conducted at:

Government Secondary School, Adiabo, Cross River State

St Patrick’s Memorial College, Wukari, Taraba State

Roman Catholic Mission Nursery and Primary School, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State

Kings Secondary School, Amawbia, Anambra State

The programme aims to educate students and communities about the dangers of substance abuse and drug trafficking.

Marwa Commends Officers

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised officers involved in the operations.

“While commending the officers, men and women of Kaduna, Niger, and Enugu Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) appreciated their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country not to rest on their laurels.”

The agency said it remains committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks while expanding prevention and education efforts nationwide.

Industry and Public Perspective

Security analysts say the concealment of narcotics inside imported household appliances reflects evolving smuggling tactics that require increased cooperation between customs authorities, courier companies and law enforcement agencies.

Public health advocates have also welcomed the continued seizure of tramadol and other controlled substances, arguing that reducing supply must be matched by expanded rehabilitation, treatment and youth-focused awareness programmes.

What’s Next?

Investigations are expected to continue into:

The origin and intended recipients of the drugs imported from the Netherlands.

The criminal networks connected to the Kaduna and Niger State drug seizures.

The source and destination of the military-grade ammunition intercepted on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.

Potential prosecutions of suspects arrested during the operations.