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President Bola Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for a successful operation that led to the elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji and the rescue of the widow of a retired general, his office said on Tuesday.
The operation in Kogi State dealt a “significant blow” to criminal networks terrorising communities in Kogi and neighbouring states, the president said in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Bastuji’s reign of violence, kidnapping and attacks on civilians had caused untold hardship for residents, Tinubu said, adding that his neutralisation “will restore confidence and give respite for residents of the area.”
“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 also commended troops for the rescue of the widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), describing the operation as demonstrating “a high standard of professionalism and the needed determination to confront forces of evil.”
“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,” Tinubu added.
Retired Major General Rabe Abubakar was abducted alongside his wife by suspected terrorists and bandits in Katsina State. He was later killed, while his wife was rescued in a separate operation.
President Tinubu reassured Nigerians that the government would continue to provide the Armed Forces with the resources, training and support needed to end banditry, kidnapping and all forms of violent crimes.
He urged citizens to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely information and necessary support.
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS TROOPS FOR NEUTRALISING BANDIT KINGPIN IBRAHIM BASTUJI, RESCUING THE WIDOW OF LATE GEN. RABE ABUBAKAR
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in the successful…
— Fredrick Nwabufo (@FredrickNwabufo) June 16, 2026
