Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 1 Brigade have arrested Bako Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba, a notorious bandit leader and suspected arms dealer.
Wurgi is believed to be the mastermind behind the abduction and murder of Isa Bawa, the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State. The traditional ruler was kidnapped in July at the Kwanar Maharba area of Sokoto while returning from an event and was tragically killed three weeks later.
A harrowing video circulated at the time showed the Emir tied up and pleading with the Sokoto State government to pay the ransom demanded by his captors.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focusing on the Lake Chad region, Wurgi was apprehended on December 14 around 10 p.m. in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State. Intelligence reports revealed that he was seeking medical treatment for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.
Troops intercepted Wurgi at a hospital, where he was found with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds. Although two of his accomplices managed to escape, the individual who transported him to the hospital in a tricycle was arrested.
The operation marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat banditry in the region, and investigations are ongoing.
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Opeoluwa Benson – Content Researcher
