Security forces have reportedly ambushed a notorious bandit kingpin, Ibrahim Bastuji, 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, which took place on Wednesday, involved troops of the Nigerian Army, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), officers of the Nigeria Police Force and personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The security forces were also supported by Kogi State vigilantes.
Security sources said the joint team killed scores of bandits during the ambush, while Bastuji was believed to have been killed in the operation.
The sources told Zagagola Makama that the ambush followed intelligence obtained by the DSS that the bandit leader was plotting to kidnap schoolchildren and residents.
According to the sources, the planned abduction was intended to secure hostages to bargain for the release of his family members currently in security custody.
Bastuji was believed to be responsible for several attacks across the North-Central region.
Security sources linked him to the May 2026 attack on a church night vigil at Ori-Oke Ijaye in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, where three worshippers were killed and 15 others abducted.
He was also fingered in the December 2025 attack on the First Evangelical Church Winning All in Ayetoro-Kiri, Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, where one worshipper was killed and 20 others were kidnapped.
The suspected bandit leader was further linked to the November 18, 2025 attack on Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti State, where two worshippers were killed and 38 others abducted.
Other attacks
Security sources also accused Bastuji of involvement in the early 2025 abduction of 24 persons, including four Chinese expatriates.
He was also linked to the April 2026 kidnapping of civilians, including foreign nationals, in the Mapo area of Kogi State.
In addition, he was alleged to have masterminded the January 2026 midnight blockade of the Lokoja-Abuja Highway, during which several commuters were killed and many others abducted.
He was also blamed for an attack on joint military and vigilante forces in Koton Karfe Local Government Area of Kogi State, which led to the death of three vigilante members and left several soldiers injured.
Originally from Katsina State, Bastuji was said to have initially operated in Zamfara State alongside Kachalla Dan-Karami Gwaska before moving his network to Niger and Kwara states.
Sustained security pressure reportedly forced him and his gang to establish a new base in the Asawa Mountains in Kogi Local Government Area, near Koton Karfe, from where he allegedly coordinated kidnappings and other violent crimes across the Kogi-Kwara axis.
See photos of Ibrahim Bastuji:
Favor As Higher Power?
(The hidden truth)
Some positions in life cannot be held or retained for long if you are not favored. Favor is higher power. You are not the only one desiring, deserving, connected, powerful or qualified. Some positions in life, opportunities, success, achievements, triumphs, selection, approvals, power and position, elevation, patronage, etc, are mainly through favor. Favor is silent, spiritual and higher power. For spiritual guidance, other solutions, call/Whatsapp Dr J.A. Faros on 07030514063. With God, all are possible.