President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for eliminating bandit leader Ibrahim Bastuji during a security operation in Kogi State. The operation, confirmed in a statement issued Tuesday by the President's Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, was described as a significant setback to criminal networks operating in Kogi and nearby states. Tinubu said Bastuji's history of violence, kidnappings and attacks on civilians had inflicted severe suffering on local communities, and his removal would bring relief and renewed confidence to residents.
The President praised the troops for demonstrating renewed determination in securing the country, stating: "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." He also lauded a separate operation that led to the rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, widow of late former Chief of Defence Information General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), calling it a sign of professionalism and effective intelligence coordination.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to security personnel for risking their lives daily and reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing the military with adequate resources, training and support to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. He urged citizens to assist security agencies with timely information to enhance operational success.
Tinubu celebrates the killing of a bandit leader months after the same network kidnapped a retired general's widow, raising questions about prior intelligence failures. The military's success now follows a failure to prevent the abduction, despite operating in the same area. Residents of Kogi State bore the cost of that delay in safety and security. The President's praise for current operations cannot erase the earlier lapse that allowed the crisis to escalate.
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