The Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI) has commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, for their strategic collaboration which led to the arrest of notorious bandit kingpin and arms dealer, Bako Wurgi.
In a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its Convener, Yerima Shettima, the group described the capture of Wurgi as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against banditry and terrorism, particularly in the North West region.
NSCI noted that the successful operation reflects the growing effectiveness of intelligence-led and coordinated security efforts under the current defence leadership, stressing that the development has renewed public confidence in the capacity of the armed forces to restore peace and stability.
According to the statement, General Musa’s leadership has strengthened military operations through improved intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and community engagement, which have collectively weakened criminal networks operating across affected states.
The group also acknowledged the role of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, noting that his approach to security goes beyond military action to include socio-economic interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of banditry.
“Matawalle’s emphasis on dialogue, alternative livelihoods and community inclusion has complemented kinetic operations, helping to reduce local support for criminal elements,” the statement said.
NSCI described Bako Wurgi as a central figure in the banditry ecosystem, whose arrest is expected to disrupt arms supply chains and criminal coordination in the region.
The group further noted that Wurgi’s reported links to other notorious bandit leaders underscore the importance of sustained pressure on criminal networks.
The organisation called on the federal and state governments to continue providing adequate support, logistics and intelligence to security agencies to consolidate recent gains. It also urged citizens to cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities.
While celebrating the success, NSCI cautioned that the fight against insecurity remains ongoing, stressing the need for long-term strategies focused on education, economic empowerment and social cohesion to prevent the recruitment of vulnerable youths into criminal groups.
“The capture of Bako Wurgi is a significant milestone, but it must be followed by sustained action and development-driven policies to achieve lasting peace,” the statement added.
NSCI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at ending banditry and terrorism, expressing optimism that continued collaboration among security agencies, political leaders and communities would lead Nigeria towards greater peace and stability.
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