Monday, December 16, 2024 - 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 m8rder 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 k!lled 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.
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