Army captures bandit leader ‘Baka Wurgi’ linked to emir’s murder

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.

The operation, conducted on December 14 at around 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.

Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad region, that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.

The sources said that during the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle

The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on August 22 after negotiations for his release failed.

Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.

Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.

His son, Sani Duna, allegedly acted as Turji’s getaway biker, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.

Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.

Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices.

Residents of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.