Baka Wurgi: Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader Linked to Murder of Sokoto Emir

Baka Wurgi: Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader Linked to Murder of Sokoto Emir

  • The Nigerian Army arrested Bako Wurgi, a notorious arms dealer and bandit leader, on December 14
  • Wurgi is suspected of being involved in the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto state
  • A counterterrorism and insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, confirmed the development and shared further details

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Nigerian Army has apprehended a notorious bandit leader, Bako Wurgi, who is suspected to be linked to the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto state.

Army nab notorious bandit leader, details emerge
Troops nab notorious bandit leader linked to emir's murder. Image for illustration purposes. Photo credit: HQ Nigerian Army
Source: Facebook

How troops captured notorious bandit leader

Wurgi's capture was carried out by troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Saturday, December 14.

Intelligence sources revealed that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara state, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.

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Although two of his accomplices managed to escape, one individual who helped transport Wurgi in a tricycle was arrested.

Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism and insurgency expert specializing in the Lake Chad Basin, disclosed the arrest on Sunday, December 15, via a post shared on his website.

According to Makama, intelligence sources confirmed that troops traced and 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," Makama said.

Wurgi linked to emir's murder

The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin local government area, Sokoto state, and murdered on August 22, after ransom negotiations collapsed.

“Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed,” Makama stated.

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Speaking further, Makama described Wurgi as an arms smuggler with international connections and is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.

See the photo of the notorious bandit leader below:

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Police arrest bandits' leader inside Niger market

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Niger state police command confirmed the arrest of notorious bandit leader Rabiu Yusuf, alias Rabee Shawulu.

Ebenezer Danmamman, the state police CP, confirmed that the force also nabbed 14 others through intelligence reports.

The recovery of various arms signals a significant dent in the capabilities of criminal elements operating in the state.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Esther Odili avatar

Esther Odili (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Esther Odili is a journalist and a Politics/Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng with 6+ years of experience. She Holds OND and HND in Mass Communication from the Nigerian Institue of Journalism (NIJ), where she was recognized as the best student in print journalism in 2018. Before joining Legit.ng, Esther has worked with other reputable media houses, such as the New Telegraph newspaper and Galaxy Television. In 2024, Esther obtained a certificate in advanced digital reporting from the Google News Initiative. Email: esther.odili@corp.legit.ng.