Tinubu Vows to Crush Criminals as Troops Eliminate Notorious Kogi Bandit Leader

In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning to criminal elements operating across the country, stating that they will no longer have a hiding place. This warning comes on the heels of the successful elimination of Ibrahim Bastuji, a notorious bandit leader, by Nigerian troops in Kogi State. The President commended the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their role in the decisive operation that led to Bastuji's demise, describing it as a major blow to the criminal networks that have been terrorising communities in Kogi and neighbouring states. According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that Bastuji's reign of violence, kidnapping, and attacks on civilians had caused immense hardship for residents, and his neutralisation would bring much-needed relief and restore confidence to the affected communities. 'I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals. Those who choose the path of violence against innocent citizens will find no hiding place. This success reflects the renewed determination of our security forces to secure every inch of our land,' the President said. The President also praised the troops for the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar (retd.), who was abducted by bandits in Katsina State. Her rescue followed the reported death of her husband in captivity. The President described her safe return as a source of relief to her family and all Nigerians, and commended the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers and men who executed the rescue operation. He reassured Nigerians that his government would continue to provide the Armed Forces with the necessary resources, training, and support to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime nationwide. The President urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and useful information. The Peoples Redemption Party has mourned the death of Maj Gen Abubakar (retd.), criticising the Federal Government for its handling of the security situation in the country. The party described the late military officer's death in captivity as a tragic reflection of the government's inability to protect Nigerians from kidnappers and bandits. The PRP called on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all persons still being held by kidnappers across the country, and urged Nigerians to rise up and demand action from the government to address the insecurity situation.