President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday praised the Armed Forces and other security agencies for an operation in Kogi State that resulted in the death of alleged bandit chief Ibrahim Bastuji and the rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, the widow of the late former chief of defence information, Gen. Rabe Abubakar (rtd).
Tinubu described the raid as a “significant blow” to criminal networks that have terrorized communities across Kogi and neighboring states, saying Bastuji’s “reign of violence” had inflicted “untold hardship” on residents.
“Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals,” he said, adding that the operation reflected a renewed determination by security forces to secure the country.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Informarion and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the intelligence coordination and bravery of the troops responsible for both the neutralization and the hostage-rescue operation.
He said the safe return of Hajiya Abubakar would bring relief to her family and the wider public and praised the professionalism shown in the operation.
President Tinubu also pledged continued government support for the military, promising resources, training and other assistance to sustain efforts against banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.
He urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely information.
Security officials have not released detailed operational accounts or casualty figures.
NewsQuest reports that observers believe that sustained operations against organized criminal networks will be necessary to secure long-term stability in affected regions.
