The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it has uncovered a key network of gun suppliers believed to have armed the gang linked to the killing of Arise News presenter, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, during a robbery in Abuja.
NPF's revelation comes after a sweep of arrests made in connection with the 29 September attack at Unique Apartments in Katampe Extension, where Maduagwu and a security guard, Barnabas Danlami, were shot dead.
Police investigations have revealed that the firearms used in the operation were allegedly procured from a source in Niger Republic.
Twelve suspects have so far been arrested. Those named 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).
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday while parading nine of the suspects, Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that detectives have already identified some of the arms dealers connected to the gang.
"We are yet to arrest a suspect in that regard, but we have very credible leads we are working on. We already know the location of some of the gunrunners and suppliers, and we assure Nigerians that arrests will be made soon," he said.
Hundeyin disclosed that weapons recovered from the suspects include a locally fabricated AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, a homemade pistol, 36 rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, mobile phones, knives, a cutlass and flashlights.
He confirmed that three additional suspects are being treated for gunshot wounds incurred during their capture, saying it was Shamsudeen Hassan who allegedly fired the shot that killed Mr Barnabas Danlami, the apartment guard.
Despite typical police policy against public parades, Hundeyin explained that the decision to present the suspects was made in response to nationwide concern over the killing.
"This case has drawn public attention. Nigerians deserve to see that the Police Force kept its promise to arrest those responsible,” he said.
Assuring that the case will proceed to prosecution once investigations are concluded, the Police Spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to ensuring accountability.
"Justice must be served. Mr. Somtochukwu and Mr. Danlami will get justice this time," he said.
The Police urged members of the public to remain alert and continue to provide actionable information to support ongoing security efforts.
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