Security Forces Kill Bandit Kingpin Bastuji in Kogi Ambush

Security forces have reportedly killed notorious bandit kingpin Ibrahim Bastuji and scores of his fighters during a joint operation in Kogi State.

The Nigerian Army, DSS, police, and NSCDC, supported by local vigilantes, ambushed the group on Wednesday in Iluke Bunu, Kabba/Bunu LGA, after intelligence showed they were planning to attack the community and abduct students from a nearby school.

Security sources said Bastuji was among those killed, though official confirmation is still awaited. The sources said DSS intelligence revealed he planned to kidnap students to trade for family members in custody.

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.

Among incidents attributed to 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.  

*Early 2025*: Abduction of 24 persons, including 4 Chinese expatriates.

He reportedly began operations in Zamfara with bandit commander Kachalla Dan-Karami Gwaska before moving to Niger, Kwara, and later the Asawa Mountain range near Koton Karfe, Kogi, to coordinate attacks along the Kogi-Kwara corridor.

Community leader Bello Abdullahi described Bastuji’s reported death as a “major breakthrough” for regional security.

“The elimination of Ibrahim Bastuji marks a significant milestone in the sustained effort to restore peace and security across the Kogi-Kwara axis and the broader North-Central region. His death effectively decapitates a criminal network responsible for years of terror, mass abductions, and the killing of innocent worshippers, security personnel and civilians,” Abdullahi said.

Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement as efforts continue to verify identities and assess the raid’s impact.