Federal Government Territory Police Force has revealed that the gang behind the murder of Arise News anchor, Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu, allegedly sourced their weapons from Niger Republic, highlighting a deepening cross-border arms smuggling network fueling violent crimes across the country.
According to findings reported by The Punch and confirmed by senior police sources, the suspects arrested in Abuja and Niger State confessed that the firearms used during the robbery and murder at Unique Apartments, Gishiri Village, Katampe District, Abuja, were obtained from black market suppliers linked to Niger Republic.
Police investigations showed that the weapons included AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, and locally made pistols, many of which were trafficked through the porous northern borders.
Force Public Relations Officer ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, while briefing journalists at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, said the police were tracing the network of illegal arms suppliers involved. He noted that the investigation had established “foreign supply links” responsible for arming criminal gangs in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
“Preliminary findings indicate that some of the weapons used by the arrested suspects were obtained through cross-border smuggling routes from Niger Republic. The Federal Government has been briefed on the need to reinforce border security,” Adejobi stated.
The police have arrested 12 suspects in connection with the killing of Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, who were attacked during an armed robbery on September 28, 2025. Recovered items included assorted ammunition, mobile phones, and stolen valuables traced through forensic intelligence.
Lens News reports that the Federal Government is now coordinating with the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, and Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to identify and shut down cross-border arms supply lines that aid criminal groups.
The tragic murder of the Arise News journalist has sparked nationwide outrage, with media unions and human rights groups demanding stronger security protection for journalists and residents in Abuja.
