TROOPS of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi (also known as Baka NaGarba) in Zamfara state
Wurgi was allegedly behind the assassination of the Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni in Sokoto State, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa.
The operation reportedly took place on 14 December at 10 p.m. in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, following intelligence that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a local hospital for injuries sustained during a violent clash with a rival group.
It was gathered that Wurgi was transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds, enabling the troops to track him down and effect his arrest.
In July, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa was abducted by suspected bandits at the Kwanar Maharba area in Sokoto while returning from an event and was killed three weeks later.
In the heart-wrenching video which went viral at the time, it showed the late traditional ruler, speaking in Hausa, recounting his terrifying experience of being kidnapped by terrorists. The traditional ruler who was tied up by the bandits, pleaded with the state government to pay the ransom to the bandits for his release.
He desperately appealed for help, stating that their lives were in grave danger and they were suffering in the forest where they were being held captive.
In the video, a gunman could be heard dictating what the victims should say, further highlighting the coercion and duress they faced.
