Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested a suspected notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba, who is allegedly connected to the abduction and murder of Isa Bawa, the late Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State.
The arrest, which followed weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering, took place on December 14 around 10 p.m.
in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State. Wurgi was reportedly receiving treatment for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
The troops intercepted him at a hospital, where he was found with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.
The late emir, Isa Bawa, was abducted in July by suspected bandits at Kwanar Maharba, Sokoto State, while returning from an event.
A viral video showed the traditional ruler tied up, pleading with the Sokoto State Government to meet the ransom demands of his captors.
Despite these appeals, he was killed three weeks after his abduction, sending shockwaves across the nation.
According to Zagazola Makama, a publication specializing in counter-insurgency in the Lake Chad region, Wurgi’s arrest was based on intelligence reports.
The army learned of his injuries and tracked his movements to the hospital. Two of his accomplices managed to escape, but troops successfully apprehended the individual who transported him to the medical facility using a tricycle.
The arrest of Wurgi is seen as a significant breakthrough in the fight against banditry in the northwest region, which has been plagued by insecurity and targeted attacks on traditional rulers and civilians.
The Sokoto Emirate and residents of the region have lauded the military’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of such heinous crimes to justice.
The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to intensifying operations against bandits, urging citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information.
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