In a major victory against banditry and criminal networks in Northern Nigeria, the Nigerian Army has successfully captured Baka Wurgi, one of the most notorious bandit leaders in the country.
Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba, was arrested on the night of December 14, 2024, in a daring operation carried out by the troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army.
The raid took place at 10 p.m. in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, after intelligence reports revealed that Wurgi was receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in a violent clash with a rival bandit group.
A Deadly Legacy
Wurgi’s capture marks a significant milestone in the fight against banditry, especially in the North-Western region, where his criminal activities had instilled fear among local residents.
Wurgi has been linked to numerous violent acts, including the brutal murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.
The late Emir of Gobir was kidnapped on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
His murder came after failed ransom negotiations involving cash and motorcycles, with Wurgi allegedly playing a central role in both the abduction and eventual killing.
Captured While Receiving Treatment
According to sources, Wurgi was apprehended while receiving medical care at a hospital in Shinkafi.
He was found with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds, injuries that were inflicted during his violent clash with rival bandits.
Though two of his accomplices managed to flee during the raid, the military was able to arrest another individual who had transported Wurgi to the hospital using a tricycle.
This arrest is seen as a significant blow to Wurgi’s criminal operations, which had spread fear across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi States.
A Web of Criminal Connections
Baka Wurgi’s capture also sheds light on the complex web of criminal networks operating in the region.
Described as a notorious arms smuggler with international connections, Wurgi is known to have familial ties to another infamous bandit leader, Bello Turji.
The two bandits share a grandfather, which has reportedly led to a strong partnership in their criminal activities.
Wurgi’s son, Sani Duna, is also implicated in the banditry network, allegedly serving as a getaway biker for Turji’s operations.
These connections further illustrate the scale of the criminal networks involved and the challenges the military faces in dismantling them.
A Major Setback for Banditry
The capture of Baka Wurgi is seen as a major setback for banditry in Nigeria, particularly in the North-Western states, which have been plagued by violence for years.
Residents from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara have expressed their relief and hope for a reduction in violence following the arrest.
“This is a huge win for the military and the people of this region,” said Bello Mohammed, a resident of Sokoto State.
“We’ve been living in fear for too long. We hope this will be the beginning of peace in our communities.”
The military’s success in capturing such a high-profile figure in the banditry network has sparked renewed optimism that the tide may be turning in the fight against terrorism and crime in the region.
The Search Continues
Although Wurgi is now in custody, the military’s efforts are far from over.
The Nigerian Army is intensifying its search for the two accomplices who managed to escape during the operation.
Security forces are also working to dismantle the broader criminal network that Wurgi and his associates have built over the years.
In the wake of Wurgi’s arrest, authorities are hopeful that this development will lead to more arrests and a sharp decline in bandit-related violence.
A Sign of Progress in the Fight Against Banditry
The arrest of Baka Wurgi is a clear indication that the Nigerian military is making progress in its battle against the rising tide of banditry in the country.
The military’s successful raid, supported by intelligence gathering, demonstrates the importance of collaboration between local authorities and security forces in tackling such criminal networks.
Wurgi’s capture also sends a strong message to other bandit leaders operating in the region: no one is beyond the reach of the law.
“This is a clear sign that bandits have nowhere to hide,” said General Ibrahim Atahiru, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army.
