Bello Turji Moves To Kill Hostages Over Arrest Of His Ally, Bako Wurgi
Notorious terrorists kingpin, Bello Turji, has reportedly contacted village heads in Shinkafi, Zamfara State, threatening to attack their communities to secure the release of his ally, Bako Wurgi, from the security agencies.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that Turji has issued a warning to influential figures, including traditional leaders, saying, “He has already contacted influential figures in the Shinkafi area like the village heads/chiefs, threatening to attack their communities to ensure they secure Wurgi’s release from security services.”
Turji has allegedly pledged to use his significant resources, including people and livestock, to force the authorities into compliance.
“He has pledged to spend any amount of money or livestock necessary to ensure that Wurgi is released,” a counterinsurgency source, Zagazola Makama, added.
However, Turji reportedly vowed to escalate the situation should his demands fail.
“He has vowed to execute some of the hostages currently in his custody, including residents from Isa, Sabon Birni, and Shinkafi,” the source further disclosed, warning of widespread violence across eastern Sokoto and Shinkafi towns.
This is not the first time Turji has resorted to such intimidation tactics.
Five years ago, similar threats compelled the government to release Dikko Chida, another of Turji’s allies.
At the time, Turji had warned of “dire consequences,” which ultimately led to negotiations and Chida’s release.
Naija News House reported on Monday that Wurgi, also known as Baka NaGarba, was arrested by troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on December 14 in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State.
The operation followed credible intelligence that Wurgi was receiving treatment for multiple injuries sustained during a violent clash with a rival group.
Counter-insurgency expert, Makama, had confirmed the operation on his X handle, stating, “Reports suggest that Wurgi played a central role in the kidnapping and killing, which involved failed ransom negotiations, including demands for cash and motorcycles.”
Makama added, “Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international ties, is reportedly linked to notorious bandits leader Bello Turji through their shared lineage.
His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to “serve as a getaway biker for Turji, further exposing familial connections within the banditry network.”
Authorities are now faced with a critical opportunity to strike a significant blow to Turji’s operations.
However, the fear of Turji’s threats materialising raised concerns about whether the government will hold firm or negotiate once again.
Wurgi’s arrest is particularly significant, as he was allegedly involved in the assassination of the Sarkin Gobir of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Isa Mohammed Bawa.
Bawa’s tragic killing earlier this year was marked by chilling ransom demands, including N60million and five motorcycles for the release of his remains.
