In a major victory against banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest, troops from the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have captured a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba. Wurgi has been linked to the brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The arrest was announced by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday.
According to Makama, the operation that led to Wurgi’s capture occurred on Saturday. Reports revealed that Wurgi had sustained multiple injuries, including cuts and gunshot wounds, during a clash with a rival group. He was apprehended while receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State.
“Intelligence sources informed me that troops arrested Wurgi at the hospital after learning he was transported there with severe injuries,” Makama shared.
While two of Wurgi’s accomplices managed to escape during the operation, another individual, who had transported him to the hospital using a tricycle, was apprehended.
Connection to the Sokoto Emir’s Murder
The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in the Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State. After failed ransom negotiations, the Emir was tragically murdered on August 22.
“Wurgi played a central role in the kidnapping and eventual killing of the Emir,” Makama disclosed. “The ransom negotiations, which involved demands for cash and motorcycles, collapsed, leading to the Emir’s death.”
Wurgi’s Role in Banditry Networks
Beyond his involvement in the murder, Wurgi is reportedly a key figure in an extensive arms smuggling network with international links. He is also said to be related to another infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji, through his grandfather. Adding to his family’s involvement in criminal activities, Wurgi’s son, Sani Duna, allegedly serves as a getaway biker for Turji.
A Significant Breakthrough
The capture of Bako Wurgi is being celebrated as a crucial step in the fight against terrorism and banditry plaguing the region. Security forces are currently holding Wurgi at an undisclosed location while intensifying efforts to track down his fleeing accomplices.
The operation highlights the Nigerian Army’s ongoing commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to the region.
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