Army Arrests Notorious Bandit Kingpin Allegedly Linked to The M¥rder of Sokoto Monarch

Troops from the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have apprehended Bako Wurgi, also known as Bako NaGarba, a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer suspected of being involved in the m¥rder of the Emir of Gobir in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa.

The operation took place on December 14 at approximately 10 PM, following intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for inj¥ries sustained during a clash with a rival group.

According to intelligence sources shared by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, Wurgi was apprehended after troops discovered he had been transported to the hospital with multiple c¥ts and g¥nshot wo¥nds.

During the operation, two of Wurgi’s accomplices managed to escape, but another individual who assisted in transporting him via a tricycle was arrested.

It is important to note that the late Emir of Gobir was k+dnapped on July 9, 2024, in the Sabon Birnin local government area of Sokoto State and was mu¥rdered on August 22 after ransom negotiations fell through.

Reports indicate that Wurgi played a crucial role in both the k+dnapping and subsequent k+lling of the monarch, which involved negotiations for ransom that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.

Additionally, Duna, another alleged accomplice, is said to have acted as a getaway biker for Turji, indicating familial ties within the banditry network in North-West Nigeria.

Wurgi’s arrest represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West region of Nigeria. He is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices.

Residents of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States have praised the operation, expressing hope that this success will help alleviate the long-standing issues of banditry and v+olence in the region.