Tinubu Praises Troops For Bandit Boss Takedown, Late Gen’s Widow Rescue

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for eliminating notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji in Kogi State and rescuing the abducted widow of a former Director of Defence Information, late Major General Rabe Abubakar.

The President described the successful operations as major victories in the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the country, saying they demonstrate the renewed resolve of security forces to restore peace and security in troubled communities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the neutralisation of Bastuji dealt a significant blow to criminal networks operating in Kogi State and neighbouring areas.

According to the President, the bandit leader’s activities had inflicted immense suffering on residents through violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal acts.

“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,” Tinubu said.

The President noted that the operation would help restore confidence among residents and provide much-needed relief for communities that had lived under the threat of criminal attacks.

Tinubu also praised the troops for the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, describing the operation as a demonstration of professionalism, courage and effective intelligence coordination.

“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. We owe a debt of gratitude to our troops who risk their lives daily to keep us safe,” he added.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, the President assured that the Federal Government would continue to equip and support the military and other security agencies with the resources and training required to defeat banditry and violent crime.

The President also urged Nigerians to support security agencies with timely and credible information, stressing that collaboration between citizens and law enforcement remains critical to sustaining recent gains recorded in the fight against criminal elements.

The latest operations come amid ongoing efforts by security forces to intensify offensives against bandit groups and other criminal networks operating across different parts of the country.