Nigerian troops have captured Baka Wurgi, a notorious bandit leader and close associate of Bello Turji, one of the country’s most feared criminal figures.
The operation took place on Dec. 14 in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, where Wurgi was being treated for injuries sustained in a gang fight. Two accomplices managed to escape, but someone who helped transport Wurgi was arrested.
Wurgi is also suspected of playing a key role in the kidnapping and murder of a tribal king, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State. The king was abducted in July 2024 and killed in August after ransom talks, which reportedly included demands for cash and motorcycles, failed.
In addition to being an arms smuggler, Wurgi has family ties to Turji. His son, Sani Duna, allegedly serves as Turji’s getaway biker. Wurgi is now in custody at an undisclosed location, and authorities are hunting for his accomplices.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.
