President Bola Tinubu has commended recent security breakthroughs recorded by the Armed Forces and other security agencies as Nigeria intensifies its campaign against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping across the country.
Among the major developments was the killing of notorious bandit leader Ibrahim Bastuji in Kogi State and the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in captivity after being abducted by bandits in Katsina State. The President described both operations as significant victories in the ongoing fight against violent crime.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised security personnel for their courage and professionalism, stressing that criminals would find no safe haven anywhere in Nigeria. He also assured citizens that his administration would continue to provide security agencies with the resources, training and operational support required to defeat insecurity.
In Katsina State, the Federal High Court sentenced Hauwa’u Mukhtar to death by hanging after convicting her of terrorism-related offences.
Mukhtar was arrested in September 2023 while allegedly transporting 438 rounds of ammunition to a notorious bandit leader operating in Zamfara State. The court found her guilty of conspiracy, aiding and abetting terrorism after reviewing evidence presented by the Department of State Services.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda also visited the rescued widow of the late general at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, where she is receiving treatment. He praised troops of Operation Fansan Yamma for the successful rescue operation and announced that President Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security across the state’s forests and rural communities.
As part of efforts to disrupt criminal networks, the Katsina State Government introduced fresh security measures, including a ban on the sale, purchase and transportation of petroleum products in jerrycans. The government also ordered the closure of Point of Sale outlets and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa local government areas, while imposing restrictions on motorcycle operations in both councils.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Tunji Disu, reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to combating banditry and terrorism during a visit to Zamfara State. Disu praised officers for recent operational successes, including the arrest of high-profile suspects, rescue of kidnapped victims and recovery of weapons, while vowing to sustain intelligence-led operations until criminal groups are dismantled.
