The Nigeria Police Force says it has uncovered credible intelligence on gun suppliers allegedly connected to the suspects behind the killing of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was murdered during a robbery incident in Abuja on September 29, 2025.
The Federal Capital Territory, Police Command had earlier confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with the attack, which also claimed the life of a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, at Unique Apartments, Katampe Extension, Abuja.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said investigators have identified the locations of the gunrunners who supplied weapons to the gang, believed to be operating across Nigeria’s northern borders.
“We have credible leads and already know the locations of some of the gun suppliers in Niger Republic,” Hundeyin revealed.
“While we are yet to make arrests in that aspect, Nigerians should rest assured that we are closing in on them. In our subsequent updates, we will provide details on our progress,” he added.
Hundeyin explained that nine of the 12 arrested suspects were paraded, while three others are receiving treatment for gunshot injuries sustained during their capture.
Those paraded include Shamsudeen Hassan, Hassan Isah (22), Abubakar Alkamu (27), Sani Sirajo (20), Mashkur Jamilu (28), Suleiman Badamasi (21), Abdulsalam Saleh, Zaharadeen Muhammad (23), Musa Adamu (30), Sumayya Mohammed (27), Isah Abdulrahman (25), and Musa Umar (31).
The police spokesperson disclosed that the following items were recovered from the suspects: one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, one pump-action rifle, a locally made pistol, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, four mobile phones, two knives, one cutlass, and two flashlights.
“Our investigation shows that the suspect who fired the shot that killed Mr. Barnabas Danlami was Shamsudeen Hassan,” Hundeyin said.
He noted that the police decided to parade the suspects due to the high level of public interest surrounding the case, despite the Force’s general policy against public parades of suspects.
“We are making an exception in this case because Nigerians deserve to see that we delivered on our promise to arrest those responsible for this heinous crime,” he stated.
Hundeyin assured that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
“Justice must be served. Both Mr. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami deserve justice, and we are determined to ensure that happens,” he said.
The spokesperson reiterated the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intensify operations against gunrunning and cross-border crime.
“Under the leadership of the IGP, the Force will continue to deploy all necessary resources to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of citizens across Nigeria,” he affirmed.
