Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba, in Zamfara State.
Wurgi was allegedly behind the assassination of the Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa.
The operation took place on December 14 at 10 p.m. in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, following intelligence that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a local hospital for injuries sustained during a violent clash with a rival group.
It was gathered that Wurgi was transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds, enabling the troops to track him down and effect his arrest.
Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, confirmed the operation on his X handle on Sunday.
Makama disclosed that during the operation, two accomplices managed to escape, but troops apprehended another individual who had assisted in transporting the suspect using a tricycle.
“Reports suggest that Wurgi played a central role in the kidnapping and killing, which involved failed ransom negotiations, including demands for cash and motorcycles,” he said.
“Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international ties, is reportedly linked to notorious bandit leader Bello Turji through their shared lineage.
“His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to serve as a getaway biker for Turji, further exposing familial connections within the banditry network.”
In August, SaharaReporters reported that the terrorists responsible for the gruesome murder of Alhaji Bawa made a chilling demand.
They demanded a ransom of N60 million and five motorcycles in exchange for the release of the traditional ruler’s body for proper burial.
Bawa and his son were taken captive in July at Kwanar Maharba while en route from Sokoto to Sabon Birni, his hometown and the headquarters of Sabon Birni local government in Sokoto State.
The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ransom of N1 billion for the release of the victims.
The heart-wrenching video circulating online shows the late traditional ruler, speaking in Hausa, recounting his terrifying experience of being kidnapped by terrorists.
He desperately appealed for help, stating that their lives were in grave danger and they were suffering in the forest where they were being held captive.
In the video, a gunman can be heard dictating what the victims should say, further highlighting the coercion and duress they faced.
Tragically, his plea for rescue was not heeded in time, as he was subsequently killed by the terrorists.