Tinubu warns criminals after troops kill Kogi bandit leader

President Bola Tinubu issued a stern warning to criminal elements across Nigeria, vowing they will have "no hiding place" after troops successfully eliminated a notorious bandit leader in Kogi State. The operation resulted in the death of Ibrahim Bastuji, a kingpin accused of widespread violence, kidnapping, and attacks on communities in Kogi and surrounding areas.

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I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals.

The President described Bastuji's neutralization as a significant blow to criminal networks operating in the region. He stated that the bandit leader's reign of terror had inflicted immense hardship, and his removal would help restore confidence and provide relief to threatened communities. "Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals," Tinubu asserted in a statement.

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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

In addition to the operation against Bastuji, President Tinubu commended the Armed Forces for the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Abubakar. She is the widow of the late Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar, former Chief of Defence Information, who reportedly died in captivity after being abducted by bandits in Katsina State. The President hailed the rescue as a demonstration of high professionalism and bravery.

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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.

"The safe return of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar is a source of relief to her family and to all Nigerians," Tinubu said, praising the intelligence coordination and bravery of the officers involved. He reassured citizens that his administration would continue to equip the military with necessary resources and training to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes nationwide, urging continued public cooperation with security agencies.

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