President Bola Tinubu has declared that criminal elements operating across Nigeria will find no refuge as security forces intensify efforts to rid the country of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes. The President made the declaration on Tuesday while commending Nigerian troops and security agencies for the successful elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Bastuji, during a military operation in Kogi State.
The President described the operation as a major breakthrough in the ongoing battle against insecurity and a clear indication of the Federal Government’s determination to reclaim every part of the country from criminal gangs.
According to him, the neutralisation of Bastuji represents a significant victory for security forces and offers renewed hope to residents who have endured years of fear and violence.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the courage, professionalism and dedication of members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies involved in the operation. He noted that Bastuji had become one of the most dreaded criminal figures in the North-Central region, particularly in Kogi State and neighbouring areas where his activities reportedly caused immense suffering among residents.
The President said the bandit leader’s reign of terror was marked by repeated attacks on communities, kidnappings for ransom, violent assaults on travellers and other criminal activities that disrupted economic and social life. He stressed that the successful operation against the notorious kingpin would go a long way in restoring confidence among citizens and encouraging communities that have lived under constant threats from armed groups.
“I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals,” the President stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security operations across the country, insisting that every individual involved in criminal activities would be pursued relentlessly. He warned bandits, kidnappers and other violent offenders that security agencies were becoming increasingly effective in tracking and dismantling criminal networks.
According to the President, the government remains focused on ensuring that Nigerians can live and conduct their lawful activities without fear. He said the elimination of Bastuji should serve as a warning to others who continue to threaten public peace and national security.
Security analysts have described the development as one of the most significant operations against banditry in recent months. Bastuji was reportedly linked to several criminal attacks in parts of Kogi State and neighbouring regions, where communities have frequently faced kidnappings, attacks on highways and invasions by armed groups.
For many residents of affected communities, news of the bandit leader’s death was received with relief. Local leaders and community members expressed hope that the operation would weaken criminal networks operating in forests and remote areas around the state. Some residents said they looked forward to improved security, the reopening of abandoned farmlands and safer movement along major roads that had previously become targets for criminal attacks.
The success of the operation also highlights the increasing collaboration among various security agencies in tackling insecurity. In recent months, the military, police, intelligence agencies and local security structures have stepped up coordinated operations aimed at disrupting criminal activities across different parts of the country.
Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices made by security personnel in the line of duty and assured them of the Federal Government’s continued support. He reiterated that investments in military equipment, intelligence gathering and personnel welfare would remain priorities as the government seeks lasting solutions to security challenges.
The President further urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist in preventing criminal activities. He noted that community support remains essential in the fight against insecurity, adding that security is a shared responsibility between government and the people.
Observers say the latest development could mark a turning point in efforts to dismantle criminal gangs operating across the North-Central region.
While challenges remain, the elimination of a figure as influential as Bastuji is expected to disrupt the operations of several armed groups and weaken their capacity to carry out attacks.
As security forces continue their operations, the Federal Government has maintained that there will be no safe haven for criminals anywhere in the country. Tinubu’s latest warning underscores the administration’s resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements until peace and stability are fully restored in affected communities.
With renewed confidence among residents and continued military offensives against criminal networks, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the operation signals a broader breakthrough in the nation’s fight against insecurity. For now, the government views the elimination of Ibrahim Bastuji as a major victory and a powerful message that those who terrorise innocent citizens will eventually face justice.
