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National Security Adviser Rebuts El-Rufai’s Claims On Alleged Ransom Payments To Bandits
ONSA described El-Rufai’s claims, made during a television interview on Sunday, as “false and baseless.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has strongly refuted allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, accusing the government of paying ransom and offering incentives to bandits.
In a press statement on Monday, ONSA described El-Rufai’s claims, made during a television interview on Sunday, as “false and baseless,” insisting that neither the office nor any arm of the current administration has ever engaged in such practices.
“On the contrary, we have consistently warned Nigerians against paying ransom. El-Rufai’s allegations are not only false but also contradict verifiable facts on ground,” the statement read.
ONSA highlighted recent military successes in Kaduna State, noting that communities like Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa—once hotspots for banditry—now enjoy relative peace following decisive military operations.
Several notorious bandit leaders, including Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow Janburos, Buhari, and Boka, were eliminated, while leaders of the Ansaru group were recently captured.
“These achievements came at a cost, with some officers paying the supreme price. For a former governor to deny these sacrifices is unfair and insulting to the memories of our security personnel,” the statement added.
The NSA’s office urged political figures to avoid politicizing national security, stressing that the fight against banditry requires collective effort rather than partisan attacks.
