Nigerian Security Adviser’s Office Rejects Ex-Governor’s Banditry Claims
Nigeria
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has strongly refuted allegations by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who accused the federal security apparatus of coordinating ransom payments and offering incentives to bandits.
The statement, signed by Zakari Mijinyawa on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser, underscores the official position of Nigeria’s security leadership.
In a press release issued Monday, ONSA described El-Rufai’s allegations as “baseless,” emphasizing that no government agency under the current administration has engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals. The government has consistently warned Nigerians against paying ransoms, the statement affirmed.
The administration’s approach to combating banditry combines decisive military operations with community engagement aimed at addressing local grievances. This dual strategy has led to improved security and relative peace in parts of Kaduna State including Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa.
ONSA highlighted the success of security forces in eliminating or capturing infamous bandit leaders such as Boderi, Baleri, and members of the extremist Ansaru group with bases in Kaduna. The office honored the sacrifices of security personnel who have died in these operations and condemned El-Rufai’s denial of these efforts as unfair and deeply disrespectful.
The statement called on El-Rufai and all political actors to refrain from politicizing national security issues, emphasizing that the fight against banditry is a collective national responsibility and must not serve as a platform for partisan disputes.
