Nigeria Will Not Surrender Territory to Criminals, Tinubu Declares

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals, as he commended security forces for successful operations that eliminated a notorious bandit leader and rescued a kidnapped widow of a late military general.

The President hailed the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the joint operation that led to the killing of bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji in Kogi State, as well as the rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar.

Security forces killed the notorious bandit and his fighters while they were allegedly planning to attack a school and residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State. The operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, DSS operatives, police officers, and NSCDC personnel.

In a separate operation, troops of the Nigerian Army rescued Mrs Abubakar from bandits’ captivity in Katsina State, days after her husband died while being held by his abductors. She was freed during a military operation conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade in Tunga Village.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the operation against Bastuji as a major setback for criminal networks in the region. He noted that Bastuji had been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal activities that had caused hardship for residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities.

Tinubu congratulated the troops on what he called a decisive milestone, stating that those who choose violence against innocent citizens would find no hiding place. He said the success reflects the renewed determination of security forces to secure every inch of Nigerian land.

The President also praised the intelligence coordination and bravery of officers who executed the rescue operation, describing the safe return of Hajiya Amina as a source of relief to her family and all Nigerians.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies with resources, training, and operational support required to improve security across the country.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information to assist ongoing efforts to combat criminality, reiterating that his administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and restoring peace in affected communities.