By Okafor Joseph Afam
December 16, 2024

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba, in Zamfara State. Wurgi is alleged to have masterminded the assassination of the Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa.

The military operation was conducted on December 14 at approximately 10 p.m. in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State. Intelligence reports revealed that Wurgi was receiving medical treatment at a local hospital after sustaining severe injuries, including gunshot wounds and multiple cuts, during a violent clash with a rival group.

Security sources disclosed that troops successfully tracked and arrested Wurgi while he was receiving treatment. However, two of his accomplices managed to escape. Another individual, believed to have transported Wurgi to the hospital using a tricycle, was apprehended during the operation.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, confirmed the arrest via his X handle on Sunday. Makama noted that Wurgi was directly implicated in the abduction and killing of Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa, which followed failed ransom negotiations.

“Reports suggest that Wurgi played a central role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing of the Sarkin Gobir, which involved demands for cash and motorcycles,” Makama stated.

He further revealed that Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, shares familial ties with notorious bandit leader Bello Turji. “Wurgi’s son, Sani Duna, is alleged to serve as a getaway biker for Turji, exposing deep familial connections within the banditry network,” he added.

In August, reports emerged that the terrorists responsible for the brutal murder of the Sarkin Gobir had made a chilling demand. They initially asked for N60 million and five motorcycles as a condition for releasing the traditional ruler’s body for burial.

The ordeal began in July when Alhaji Bawa and his son were abducted at Kwanar Maharba while traveling from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, their hometown. The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ransom of N1 billion for their release.

In a heart-wrenching video that later circulated online, the late traditional ruler could be seen speaking in Hausa, recounting his horrifying experience. He appealed desperately for help, describing their suffering and perilous conditions in the forest where they were held.

In the footage, one of the terrorists can be heard dictating the victim’s words, illustrating the immense duress and coercion faced by the captives. Tragically, the plea for intervention came too late, and Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa was killed.

The arrest of Wurgi is considered a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry and terrorism in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Zamfara States. Security forces continue their efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and dismantle the bandit network linked to the tragic killing of the Sarkin Gobir.

Meanwhile, authorities urge citizens to provide credible information to assist in ongoing operations aimed at eradicating banditry and restoring peace in the region.