By Kingston Magare 16.6.2026
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Nigerian army for operations that saw to the demise of notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji and the rescue of late Major-General Abubakar Rabe’s widow.
Bastuji the mastermind of various kidnap and killings crimes in Kwara, Kogi and Ekiti States was ambushed and eliminated alongside many his gang members by security forces. While on Monday troops staged a successful rescue of Mrs. Rabe after she and her husband were kidnapped in Katsina State. Unfortunately, Maj-Gen Rabe died while waiting for rescue.
“I congratulate our gallant troops on this decisive milestone. Nigeria will not surrender any part of its territory to criminals,” President Tinubu said in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“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.
“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.”
Bastuji, originally from Katsina State, was one of the most wanted criminals in the North-Central. He was linked to multiple kidnappings and attacks on religious institutions and security personnel.
Crimes allegedly committed by him: May 2026: Attack on a church night vigil in Ori-Oke Ijaye, Ekiti LGA, Kwara State – 3 worshippers killed, 15 abducted.
December 2025: Attack on ECWA Church, Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu LGA, Kogi – 1 killed, 20 kidnapped.
November 2025: Attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku – 2 killed, 38 abducted.
January 2026: Blockade of Lokoja–Abuja Highway – multiple deaths and abductions.
January 2025: Abduction of 24 persons, including 4 Chinese expatriates.
Bandit kingpin Basturji