𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐓𝐕 𝐀𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡: 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 Close In on Niger Republic Gun‑Runners, Parade Suspects!

Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa

The Nigeria Police Force has revealed leads connecting the firearms used in the robbery that led to the death of Arise News anchor Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu to a weapons supplier operating across the Nigeria–Niger Republic border. The police also paraded the suspects arrested in connection with the attack. [1]

What’s Known So Far

• The FCT Police Command confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects allegedly involved in the armed robbery at Unique Apartments, Katampe, Abuja, during which Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, were killed. [2]
• In a press briefing, the police stated that preliminary investigation indicates the gang obtained their weapons— including a fabricated AK‑47, a pump‑action gun, and pistols — from an arms dealer across the border in Niger Republic. [1]
• The suspects, all said to hail from Kaduna and Katsina States, reportedly confessed to sourcing the arms externally. [3]
• One of the suspects, Shamsudeen Hassan, claimed responsibility for shooting the security guard, while Sani Sirajo admitted he tried to hold Maduagwu to prevent her from falling from the building. [2]

Why This Matters

• The revelation underscores the transnational dimension of arms trafficking in Nigeria, especially from neighboring countries with porous borders.
• It raises urgent questions about border security, cross‑border arms regulation, and the capacity of Nigeria’s security agencies to stem illicit arms flow.
• The police’s ability to trace weapons back to foreign suppliers may strengthen the case against the suspects and lead to dismantling parts of the supply chain.

Citations:

1. NewsWire NG: newswirengr.com/2025/10/10/update-fct-police-say-12-armed-robbery-suspects-who-killed-arise-news-anchor-got-their-weapons-from-niger-republic/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/10/breaking-police-arrest-12-suspects-over-killing-of-arise-tv-anchor/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Trending News: www.tvcnews.tv/suspects-in-arise-news-anchors-killing-got-weapons-from-niger-republic-police/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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