Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have apprehended a notorious bandit leader and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi, alias Baka NaGarba, suspected to be behind the murder of the Emir of Gobir, Alhaji Isa Mohammad Bawa, in Sokoto State.

The operation, conducted on Dec. 14 at 10 p.m., followed intelligence reports that Wurgi was receiving treatment at a hospital in Shinkafi town, Zamfara State, for injuries sustained during a clash with a rival group.

Intelligence sources confirmed to Zagazola Makama, a Counter Insurency Expert and Security Analysts in the Lake Chad region that troops apprehended Wurgi after discovering he had been transported to the hospital with multiple cuts and gunshot wounds.

The sources said that During the operation, two accomplices fled, but troops arrested another individual who assisted in transporting the suspect in a tricycle

The late Emir of Gobir was abducted on July 9, 2024, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State, and murdered on Aug. 22 after negotiations for his release collapsed.

Reports indicate that Wurgi played a key role in the kidnapping and subsequent killing, which involved ransom negotiations that included cash and motorcycles but ultimately failed.

Wurgi, an arms smuggler with international connections, is reportedly related to Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, through his grandfather.

His son, Sani Duna, is alleged to act as a getaway biker for Turji, highlighting familial links within the banditry network.

Wurgi’s arrest marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and banditry in the Northwest region.

Wurgi is currently being held at an undisclosed location, while a manhunt is underway for his accomplices

Residents in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states have lauded the operation, expressing hope that it will alleviate the long-standing impact of banditry and violence in the region.

Nigerian Army Captures Notorious Bandit Leader, Baka Wurgi Linked to Emir of Gobir’s Murder

Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations

By: Michael Mike

A call has been made to business communities in both Nigeria and China to support Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping plan of improving trade and bilateral relations between both countries.

The call was made at the weekend in Abuja
by the Director-General of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Joseph Tegbe,during a meeting with Executive Chairman of the Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibility (ACBASR), Diao Chunhe,, and the Director-General of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce-NIG. Dr Tristan Cui,

The meeting is aimed at fostering greater collaboration between Chinese companies operating in Nigeria and Nigerian businesses in China.

During the meeting, Tegbe called on the Chinese Business Community to support the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Xi Jinping to foster a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship between both countries.

He assured that Nigeria, under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu, is willing to leverage on the comprehensive strategic plan between Nigeria and China to transform from a trade relationship to developmental partnership where China serves as a catalyst for industrialization in Nigeria.

In his response, Diao Chunhe outlined ACBASR’s mission to promote social responsibility among Chinese enterprises in Africa. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in ensuring that businesses from both countries uphold social responsibility in their respective host countries.

The Alliance of Chinese Business in Africa for Social Responsibility (ACBASR) has been at the forefront of promoting social responsibility among Chinese enterprises in Africa. Established to promote sustainable development and social responsibility, ACBASR has been working closely with African governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to achieve these goals

While hosting the delegation from the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, Dr Tristan Cui, the Director-General of the China General Chamber of Commerce highlighted the chamber’s role in facilitating trade and investment between Nigeria and China. He assured the delegation of the support of the Chamber and its member-companies, which include all Chinese State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) operating in Nigeria, as well as top-level private companies.

As Nigeria and China continue to strengthen their bilateral ties, these engagements by Tegbe mark a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations and promoting social responsibility and sustainable development in Nigeria. This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate to transform Nigeria-China ties into a more comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership provides a platform for the actualization of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda which involves exploring more development paths, with China as a major development partner in terms of industrial collaboration and knowledge exchange with a view to increase Nigeria’s export capacity.

Business Communities in Nigeria, China Asked to Support Tinubu/Xi Plan for Improved Trading, Bilateral Relations

Breaking: Governor Yusuf reshuffles cabinet, drops SSG, scraps COS portfolio

By: Our Reporter

In a major political decision, Kano state Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf as announced a reshuffle of the state executive council to effect pragmatic political realignment of his administration.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, on Thursday, Governor Yusuf disclosed that the first major rejig of his cabinet takes immediate effect.

According to the statement, Governor Yusuf maintained the much awaited decision finally came to enable uptimum performance that will drive more dividend of democracy to the good people of Kano state.

Those affected by the major shake up are the Chief of Staff, Alh. Shehu Wada Sagagi whose office is now scrapped, and Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi dropped on health ground.

According to Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf removed some cabinet members and reassigned others to enhance administrative performance and political retool.

Those who retained their positions are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Haruna Isa Dederi, Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, Commissioner for Land and Physical Planning, Hon. Abduljabbar Mohammed Umar, Commissioner for Budget and Planning Hon Musa Suleiman Shannon and Commissioner for Works and Housing Engr. Marwan Ahmad.

Also retained are Commissioner for Solid and Mineral Resources, Sefiyanu Hamza, Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Shiekh Ahmad Tijani Auwal, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabiu Kwankwaso, Commissioner for Investment and Commerce, Adamu Aliyu Kibiya and that of Internal Security and Special Services, Major General Mohammad Inuwa Idris Rtd.

According to the statement, those reassigned are the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulssalam who is moved from Ministry of Local Government to Higher Education, Hon. Mohammad Tajo Usman moved from Science and Technology to Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim Kofar Mata from Higher Education to Science, Technology and Innovation.

Others on reassignment list include Hon. Amina Abdullahi from Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation to Ministry for Women, Children and Disable, Hon. Nasiru Sule Garo, from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to Ministry of Special Duties.

Commissioner for Project Monitory and Evaluation Hon. Ibrahim Namadi now moved to Ministry of Transport, while Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa of Ministry of Education now moved to Ministry of Water Resources.

On the reassigned list, are Hon. Ali Haruna Makoda moved from Water Resources to Ministry of Education, Hon. Aisha Lawal Saji from Ministry of Women, Children and Disable to Tourism and Culture, and Hon. Muhammad Diggol from Transport to Ministry of Project Monitoring and Evaluation.

Meanwhile, Governor Yusuf has dropped five members of his cabinet to include Ibrahim Jibril Fagge, of Finance Ministry, Ladidi Ibrahim Garko, Culture and Tourism; Baba Halilu Dantiye, Information and Internal Affairs, Shehu Aliyu Yammedi, Special Duties and Abbas Sani Abbas, Rural and Community Development.

Also, the Governor has directed the Chief of Staff and the five commissioners that are dropped to report to the office of the Governor for possible reassignment.

Breaking: Governor Yusuf reshuffles cabinet, drops SSG, scraps COS portfolio