Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader Bako Wurgi, aka ‘Baka NaGarba’
Troops from the 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army have successfully arrested Bako Wurgi, a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer known as Baka NaGarba. Wurgi is believed to be involved in the killing of the Emir of Gobir, Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The arrest was confirmed by counterterrorism expert Zagazola Makama, who specializes in the Lake Chad Basin area, through his X account on Sunday. Makama shared that the operation, which led to Wurgi’s capture, took place on Saturday.
According to Makama, intelligence reports suggested that Wurgi had been receiving medical treatment in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained in a clash with a rival group. The troops located him at the hospital, where he was being treated for multiple gunshot wounds and cuts.
While two of Wurgi’s associates managed to escape during the operation, one individual who helped transport him to the hospital in a tricycle was arrested.
Wurgi is believed to have played a central role in the kidnapping and murder of the Emir of Gobir, who was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin, Sokoto State. Despite attempts to negotiate a ransom, which involved cash and motorcycles, the Emir was killed on August 22, 2024, after the talks broke down.
Makama described Wurgi as a major arms smuggler with international connections, noting his ties to other prominent bandit leaders, including Bello Turji. Wurgi is said to be related to Turji through his grandfather, and his son, Sani Duna, reportedly serves as a getaway motorcyclist for Turji.
The capture of Wurgi marks a significant development in efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in Nigeria’s northwest. The suspect is currently in custody at an undisclosed location, while security forces continue their search for the remaining suspects involved in the operation.
