By Teddy Nwanunobi
Again, President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians that their safety is non-negotiable, promising that his administration will not surrender any territory to terrorism.
This is the second time in ten days Tinubu would be assuring Nigerians of their safety.
Daily NewsCraft reports that Tinubu had, on Sunday, June 7, during the National Inter-Denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, assured Nigerians that his administration is determined to defeat terrorists and bandits, and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country.
Tinubu, who commended the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful operations that led to the elimination of a notorious bandit leader, Ibrahim Bastuji, restated that Nigeria will not surrender any territory to criminals.
He also hailed the rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Major General Rabe Abubakar (retd).
It would be recalled that security forces killed the notorious bandit kingpin and his fighters while they were allegedly planning to attack a school and residents of Iluke Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The joint operation involved troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services, officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Also, troops of the Nigerian Army rescued the widow of the late Major General from bandits’ captivity in Katsina State, days after the retired senior military officer died while being held by his abductors.
Mrs Abubakar was freed during a military operation conducted by troops of the 17 Brigade in Tunga Village, where security forces engaged the kidnappers in a confrontation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the operation against Bastuji in Kogi State as a major setback for criminal networks operating in the region.
According to the President, Bastuji had been linked to violent attacks, kidnappings and other criminal activities that had caused hardship for residents of Kogi State and neighbouring communities.
“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,” he said.
The President noted that the neutralisation of the bandit kingpin would help restore public confidence and provide relief to communities affected by insecurity.
Tinubu also praised security operatives for the successful rescue of Hajiya Amina Rabe Abubakar, describing the operation as evidence of the professionalism and commitment of the country’s security forces.
“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 said.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military and other security agencies in the fight against banditry, kidnapping and violent crime.
He assured that the Federal Government would continue to provide the Armed Forces with the resources, training and operational support required to improve security across the country.
Tinubu also urged Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to combat criminality.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property and restoring peace in affected communities across the country.