Taiwo Popoola
Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba.
Wurgi is suspected to be responsible for the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, who shared the post on his X handle on Sunday said the operation that led to the bandit’s arrest was conducted on Saturday
According to the security expert, Wurgi’s arrest followed intelligence reports that he was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Makama said that intelligence sources informed him 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 Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.
“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, Makama said.
“Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.
“His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.”
He further added that 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, the report said.
