Nigeria intensifies crackdown on kidnappers and bandits after arrests and killings

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo warned kidnappers, cultists and other criminals that they would face prosecution and possible execution, promising a special court to handle cases within two weeks. He rewarded police officers with ₦10 million for arresting a suspect linked to a recent market kidnapping and cited seized assets including a luxury car, firearms and cash.

President Bola Tinubu issued a nationwide warning after troops killed notorious bandit leader Ibrahim Bastuji in Kogi State. He praised the armed forces for the operation, highlighted the rescue of Hajiya Amina Abubakar, and pledged continued resources to combat banditry and kidnapping across the country.