The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has flatly rejected accusations made by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai that the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is sponsoring bandits through ransom payments and other inducements.
This latest clash exposes growing tensions within Nigeria’s political elite and questions surrounding the country’s handling of its persistent insecurity crisis.
El-Rufai’s Bold Accusation: Government Sponsoring Bandits
On a popular television show aired on August 30, 2025, El-Rufai openly claimed that the current administration is implementing a “kiss-the-bandits” policy.
He alleged bandits receive monthly allowances and food supplies as part of a government strategy to avoid confronting armed groups militarily.
El-Rufai claimed this non-kinetic approach empowers criminals and worsens insecurity, particularly in Kaduna State and northern Nigeria.
The former governor harshly criticized the suppression of media reports on insecurity.
Asserting the government deliberately underreports the issue to create an illusion of control.
His stance is uncompromising: “The only repentant bandit is a dead one,” he declared.
He called for aggressive military actions, including bombing and elimination, rejecting any negotiation or compensation.
His remarks suggest a complete breakdown of faith in government policies on national security.
ONSA’s Firm Rebuttal: Allegations are Baseless and Insulting
Responding swiftly on August 31, 2025, the Office of the National Security Adviser issued a strongly worded statement denying El-Rufai’s claims.
The statement, signed by Zakari Mijinyawa, ONSA’s Director of Legal Services and Strategic Communications, characterized the allegations as “baseless” and “contradicting verifiable facts on the ground.”
ONSA asserted that at no point has the federal government engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals.
On the contrary, ONSA stated it has consistently warned Nigerians against paying ransom to kidnappers and bandits.
The agency highlighted that the government adopted a dual strategy from the beginning.
Decisive kinetic military operations coupled with community engagement to address root grievances fueling banditry.
Security Gains Undermined by Political Allegations
According to ONSA, tangible results have been achieved in Kaduna State areas like Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa, which have transitioned from terror-ridden zones to relative peace.
The statement took pains to detail successful captures and eliminations of notorious bandit kingpins such as Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow Janburos, Buhari, and Boka.
It also noted recent apprehensions of Ansaru leaders who operated bases within Kaduna.
The statement said, “These successes came at a cost. Some of our brave officers paid the supreme price.”
Denying these sacrifices publicly, especially by a former governor on national television, was called “deeply insulting” and unfair to the memories of fallen security personnel.
Political Weaponization of Security Issues Draws Criticism
ONSA’s statement included an appeal for Nasir El-Rufai and other political actors to desist from dragging national security institutions into partisan conflicts.
The agency warned against using the sensitive fight against banditry as a platform for political point-scoring.
It emphasized that this is a collective struggle that transcends political divides, aimed solely at protecting Nigerian citizens from terrorists and criminals.
Escalation of the Security Challenge in Northern Nigeria
Many residents and former officials complain the federal response lacks urgency and effectiveness.
Blaming policy strategies such as negotiation and rehabilitation of bandits.
El-Rufai’s statement that more bandits have been active since the current administration took power echoes a feeling of abandonment and negligence among affected communities.
On the other hand, ONSA’s counters indicate confidence in an approach balancing force and dialogue.
Designed to bring sustainable peace and address underlying social issues causing banditry.
The battle for public perception continues, with each camp accusing the other of misinformation and undermining national unity.
Controversy and Division within the Political Class
This dispute underscores the rift among Nigeria’s political elite on how to handle the security crisis.
El-Rufai’s claims target the credibility of the federal government under Tinubu, challenging its commitment to eradicating banditry without compromise.
Meanwhile, ONSA seeks to defend government efforts while preserving the dignity of security forces.
At the heart of this controversy is a profound question.
Should the government continue efforts combining military action with community-based conflict resolution.
Or should it adopt the more hardline, uncompromising stance El-Rufai advocates?
The answer remains deeply divisive, fueling political controversies that risk paralyzing the national response.
Conclusion: A Bitter Political Battle Amid Insecurity
The former governor’s demands for unrelenting military action clash sharply with the government’s mixed strategy of force and engagement.
ONSA’s strong rebuttal and appeal for unity stress the importance of focusing on security solutions rather than political warfare.
Yet, the public remains divided and security challenges persist,
Making it clear that Nigeria’s path to peace is neither simple nor uncontested.
