Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba.
Wurgi is alleged to be involved in the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The arrest was disclosed by Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, via his X handle on Sunday.
Makama revealed that the operation leading to Wurgi’s apprehension was carried out on Saturday.
According to Makama, intelligence reports indicated 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 informed me that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds,” Makama said.
During the operation, two of Wurgi’s accomplices reportedly fled, but troops arrested another individual who had helped transport the suspect to the hospital 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 ransom negotiations 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 stated.
Makama further described Wurgi as an arms smuggler with international connections.
“He 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,” Makama added.
The arrest of Wurgi is being hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against terrorism and banditry in Nigeria’s Northwest region.
Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location while a manhunt continues for his fleeing accomplices, according to the report.
