President Bola Tinubu has declared that criminal gangs operating across Nigeria “will find no hiding place” after security forces killed a notorious bandit leader accused of orchestrating years of violence in Kogi State and neighbouring regions.
The president on Tuesday praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for what he described as a decisive operation that resulted in the death of Ibrahim Bastuji, a feared bandit commander blamed for kidnappings, attacks on civilians and widespread insecurity across parts of north-central Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Bastuji’s killing marked a significant setback for criminal networks that had terrorised communities in Kogi and surrounding states.
“I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals,” the president said.
“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.”
Tinubu said the bandit leader’s removal would help restore public confidence and bring relief to communities that had endured years of violence and fear.
The president also commended security personnel for rescuing Hajiya Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar (retd), describing the operation as evidence of the professionalism and resolve of Nigeria’s security forces.
Her rescue came after the reported death of her husband while in captivity following their abduction by bandits in Katsina State.
“The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
“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 reiterated his administration’s commitment to equipping the military with the resources, training and support needed to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes, while urging citizens to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible intelligence.
The operations come amid sustained military pressure on armed groups across Nigeria’s north-central and north-west regions, where kidnapping for ransom and bandit attacks have continued despite repeated security offensives.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) used the death of Maj Gen Abubakar in captivity to renew its criticism of the government’s handling of security.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, the opposition party described the retired general’s death as a tragic illustration of what it called the government’s failure to protect citizens.
“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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The party argued that the death of the retired officer, alongside the continued abduction of other Nigerians, including schoolchildren in Oyo State, underscored the need for more decisive action against insecurity.
“It is a clear indication that the administration’s rhetoric is far removed from the harsh realities faced by our people daily,” Ishaq said.
“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 PRP urged the government to prioritise the rescue of those still being held by kidnappers and move beyond public statements to what it described as meaningful action.
“We demand that all immediate steps be taken to secure the swift and safe release of all other captives held in Nigeria,” the statement added.
“The government must move beyond issuing press statements and show real commitment to ending this cycle of violence and impunity.”
The party concluded by calling for stronger leadership and a renewed national response to the country’s security challenges, insisting that Nigerians deserved a government capable of restoring peace and public confidence.
