Nigerian Army captures notorious bandit leader, Baka Wurgi linked to Emir of Gobir’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 monarch was abducted alongside his son and brother in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto on July 9, 2024.  

The abductors killed a sea on August 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed. 

The operation, conducted on December 14 at 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 counterinsurgency expert and security analyst 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. 

According to Zagazola, reports indicate that Wurgi allegedly played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent k!lling of the monarch, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed. 

Wurgi, an alleged 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. 

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 in 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.