President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for eliminating bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji in a security operation in Kogi State. The operation, described by Tinubu as a significant blow to criminal networks, targeted Bastuji, whose activities had included kidnapping and attacks on civilians in Kogi and neighbouring states. In a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the success reflected the renewed determination of security forces to secure the country. He commended the troops for restoring confidence in affected communities and declared that Nigeria would not surrender any part of its territory to criminals.
Tinubu also approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Katsina State, a decision confirmed by Governor Dikko Radda after a stakeholders' meeting with Islamic clerics at Government House, Katsina. This move follows the issuance of a new Executive Order by Radda that bans the sale, storage, and transportation of petroleum products in jerry cans, part of broader security measures aimed at curbing banditry and kidnapping. The Katsina governor also held an emergency security meeting with security agencies and traditional rulers to coordinate further actions.
The Senate Committee on Army, led by Senator Abdulaziz Yar'Adua, commended the military for rescuing Mrs. Amina Abubakar, widow of late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who had been abducted by bandits. The Senate plans to reconvene for an emergency session to discuss national security. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), through its Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu, condemned Abubakar's death in captivity, calling it a gross violation of fundamental rights, and reiterated support for state police. Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo briefed National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu on the operation that killed Bastuji, according to Commissioner Kingsley Fanwo. Tinubu reiterated his commitment to providing troops with resources, training and support to combat violent crimes.
Tinubu celebrates the killing of Bastuji while also approving forest guards for Katsina, yet the same forces failed to prevent the death of Rabe Abubakar in captivity. The rescue of his widow happened only after the military had already lost control of the situation for an undisclosed period. Residents in Kogi and Katsina remain exposed to attacks despite repeated security interventions. The government's reliance on reactive operations over prevention continues to define its security strategy.
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