GistReel
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has uncovered an international arms link in the murder of Arise TV anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, tracing the weapons used in the attack to suppliers operating across the Nigeria–Niger border.
Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed on Friday that the suspects confessed to sourcing their guns, including an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, and a pistol from a dealer based in the Niger Republic.
She added that the revelation has heightened concerns over the influx of illegal weapons through the northern borders.
The attack, which took place on 29 September 2025 at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja, also claimed the life of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami. The police have since arrested twelve suspects connected to the armed robbery and homicide.
Twelve suspects arrested across three states
Those arrested include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah, Abubakar Alkamu, Sani Sirajo, Mashkur Jamilu, Suleiman Badamasi, Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad, Musa Adamu, Sumayya Mohammed, Isah Abdulrahman, and Musa Umar. All are reportedly from Kaduna and Katsina States.
Adeh stated that the suspects confessed to carrying out multiple operations in Katampe 1, Apo, and Zuba before the fatal attack on Maduagwu.
Investigations also confirmed that one of the suspects, Hassan Shamsudeen, fired the shot that killed the security guard during the robbery.
Following the murder, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, ordered a high-level investigation led by DCP Aliyu Abubakar and ACP Victor Godfrey. Their coordinated operation across Abuja, Nasarawa, and Kaduna States resulted in the successful capture of the suspects.
Nigeria’s ongoing small arms crisis
The tragic case has reignited discussions on Nigeria’s long-standing challenge with illicit small arms and light weapons smuggled in from neighbouring countries such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
The recent incident underscores the urgent need for joint border patrols and intelligence-sharing mechanisms among West African nations to prevent cross-border arms trafficking and related violence.