The Federal Government has recorded approximately 150 convictions in the ongoing mass trial of terrorism suspects, as President Bola Tinubu commended security forces for the elimination of notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji in Kogi State.
President Tinubu Hails Security Forces
President Bola Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful operation in Kogi State, where Ibrahim Bastuji was reportedly eliminated. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president described the operation as a significant blow to criminal networks terrorising communities in Kogi and neighbouring states.
Tinubu noted that Bastuji's reign of violence, kidnapping, and attacks on civilians had caused untold hardship for residents, adding that his neutralisation will restore confidence and provide respite for the area. Congratulating the troops, Tinubu stated, "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."
The president also commended the troops for another successful operation that led to the rescue of the widow of the late former Chief of Defence Information, Brig-Gen. Rabe Abubakar (rtd). He said the rescue demonstrates a high standard of professionalism and the needed determination to confront forces of evil.
Mass Trial of Terrorism Suspects
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), disclosed that about 150 convictions have been secured within two days of the commencement of the federal government's mass trial of terrorism suspects. Fagbemi gave the update in Abuja while speaking with journalists, noting that this phase of the trial began on Monday and is still ongoing until tomorrow.
According to him, the exercise recorded about 160 trials on Monday, leading to approximately 150 convictions. The process continued on Tuesday with about 300 cases, and another 84 cases are expected to be concluded. The minister provided a breakdown of the trials, emphasizing the government's commitment to swift justice in terrorism cases.
Other Security Developments
In a separate incident, suspected gunmen attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, near Jos, Plateau State, on Monday night, killing three security operatives. The attack breached the nation's foremost policy institution, raising concerns about security at key national facilities.
Additionally, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded another major operational success in Sokoto State, rescuing seven kidnapped farmers and recovering motorcycles following a bandit attack on farming communities at Gandi in Rabah Local Council Area. The rescue operation underscores the military's ongoing efforts to combat banditry in the region.
In Kogi State, the government confirmed the killing of notorious bandit leader Kachala Batijo, who was the alleged mastermind of a recent attack on a school in Iluke Bunu, Kabba/Bunu Local Council Area. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, disclosed that Batijo was among several bandits killed in a coordinated security operation by Nigerian security forces.
