Tinubu warns criminals after troops kill Kogi bandit leader

President Bola Tinubu has warned criminal elements across the country that they will have no hiding place, following the killing of a notorious bandit leader in Kogi State by Nigerian troops.

The President gave the warning on Tuesday while commending the Armed Forces and other security agencies for what he described as a decisive operation that led to the elimination of Ibrahim Bastuji, a feared bandit kingpin accused of terrorising communities in Kogi and neighbouring states.

He described the development as a significant blow to criminal networks terrorising communities in the state and its neighbours.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Bastuji’s reign of violence, kidnapping and attacks on civilians had inflicted untold hardship on residents, adding that his neutralisation would restore confidence and provide much-needed respite to communities that had lived under threat.

“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.

Tinubu also commended troops for the rescue of Hajiya Amina Abubakar, widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar (retd.), describing the operation as a demonstration of the high level of professionalism and determination required to confront what he called the forces of evil.

Her rescue followed the reported death of her husband in captivity after their abduction by bandits in Katsina State.

The President said, “The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians.

“I commend the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers and men who executed the rescue operation.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to our troops who risk their lives daily to keep us safe.”

The President reassured Nigerians that his government would continue to provide the Armed Forces with the resources, training and support required to end banditry, kidnapping and other forms of violent crime nationwide.

He urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and useful information.

The twin operations come amid sustained security pressure across Nigeria’s North-Central and North-West corridors, where banditry and kidnapping have persisted despite repeated military offensives.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Redemption Party has mourned the death of Maj Gen Abubakar (retd.), while renewing its criticism of the Federal Government over the worsening security situation in the country.

The opposition party, in a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, described the late military officer’s death in captivity as a tragic reflection of what it called the government’s inability to protect Nigerians from kidnappers and bandits.

The PRP spokesman lamented the development, saying no Nigerian deserved to die in the manner he did.

“The PRP is profoundly saddened and outraged by the death of Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar (retd) in captivity and the ongoing abduction of many innocent Nigerians.

“This tragic incident is a stark and undeniable testament to the failure of President Tinubu’s administration to provide the security and protection that every Nigerian deserves.

“It exposes the stark reality that the current government lacks both the will and the capacity to safeguard lives and property in our nation,” it stated.

Ishaq said the incident, alongside the continued abduction of other Nigerians, including schoolchildren in Oyo State, highlighted the urgent need for stronger action against insecurity.

“This terrible incident, coupled with the continued captivity of many other innocent Nigerians, including school children in Oyo State, underscores the urgent need for accountability and decisive action.

“It is a clear indication that the administration’s rhetoric is far removed from the harsh realities faced by our people daily.

“This is precisely why PRP recently called for President Tinubu’s resignation — because leadership without capacity and integrity only perpetuates fear, insecurity, and despair among Nigerians,” the statement added.

The PRP called on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of all persons still being held by kidnappers across the country.

“We demand that all immediate steps be taken to secure the swift and safe release of all other captives held in Nigeria. The government must move beyond issuing press statements and show real commitment to ending this cycle of violence and impunity.

“We call on Nigerians to rise up and adopt all lawful means necessary to insist that President Tinubu goes beyond rhetoric. Our collective destiny depends on it. The enemies of peace and progress should no longer register victories over us. Enough is enough.

“Nigeria deserves leadership that is courageous, imaginative, and compassionate. The time for change is now,” the statement added.