President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria won't hand over any part of its land to criminals. He made this clear on Tuesday after security forces killed a notorious bandit kingpin and rescued the widow of a retired army general.
Security operatives took out Ibrahim Bastuji and his fighters in Kogi State. The gang was planning to attack a school and residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, according to a statement from the President's spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Troops from the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps carried out the joint operation.
In a separate operation, soldiers from the 17 Brigade rescued Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar in Katsina State. She's the widow of Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd), a former Chief of Defence Information who died while in captivity.
The rescue happened in Tunga Village, where troops engaged the kidnappers in a firefight.
"I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria won't surrender any part of its territory to criminals," Tinubu said in the statement. "Those who choose the path of violence against innocent citizens will find no hiding place."
The President said Bastuji was linked to violent attacks, kidnappings, and other crimes that terrorised Kogi and neighbouring communities. He called the operation a major setback for criminal networks in the region.
Tinubu also praised the rescue of Hajiya Amina, calling it proof of the professionalism and commitment of Nigeria's security forces.
"The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians," he said. "I commend the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers and men who executed the rescue operation."
The President promised to keep supporting the military and other security agencies with resources, training, and operational support to fight banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime. He also asked Nigerians to give timely and credible information to help security efforts.
Major General Rabe Abubakar served as Chief of Defence Information under former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was kidnapped from his farm in Katsina State in May 2026. His captors killed him before security forces could secure his release. His widow's rescue came days after his death.
Bastuji had been on the radar of security agencies for years. He operated across Kogi, Kwara, and parts of the North-Central region, evading capture despite multiple operations against him.
The President said the neutralisation of Bastuji would help restore public confidence and bring relief to communities that have suffered from insecurity.