Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State Government (KDSG) of paying bandits, politicizing national security, mismanaging funds and engaging in propaganda.
In a lengthy statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, El-Rufai defended his record in office and insisted that both ONSA and KDSG were more focused on image management than on supporting security agencies to defeat terrorism and banditry.
El-Rufai’s Claims
El-Rufai described as “unfortunate” the reactions of ONSA and KDSG to his earlier television interview, where he raised questions about negotiations with bandits and the government’s handling of insecurity.
“As usual, the combined voices of KDSG and ONSA, instead of responding to the core issues I raised, seek to deflect responsibility by alleging that exposing them amounts to politicizing security,” he said.
The former governor alleged that government officials were “greasing the palms of non-state actors” in Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kebbi, and other states, despite denials. He cited videos and audios of community and religious leaders condemning such payments.
He dismissed ONSA’s reports of “rescued victims” as propaganda, claiming that families of kidnapped victims had already paid ransoms before government announcements. El-Rufai also accused officials of acquiring prime real estate in Abuja with unexplained wealth.
“Why is a non-kinetic approach equal to withdrawing huge sums from state treasuries and handing them over to bandits?” he asked, challenging ONSA and KDSG to disclose details of such programmes, including rehabilitation of so-called repentant bandits.
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He further criticized the alleged suppression of security reports by the Kaduna government, contrasting it with his administration’s quarterly security briefings. He accused security personnel of being deployed at political gatherings in Kaduna, saying it proved the “same politicization ONSA claims to oppose.”
Defense of Military and Call for Transparency
El-Rufai emphasized that his criticism was not targeted at security personnel, noting that three of his siblings served in the Nigerian Army and Air Force.
“Our appreciation for the sacrifices made and still being made by our military and security officers is deep. That is why we speak out against those who view security management as propaganda and a cover for diverting funds,” he said.
He urged the federal government to prioritize resources, personnel, and technology for security agencies rather than “mollycoddling bandits.”
ONSA and KDSG React
In separate responses, ONSA and KDSG rejected El-Rufai’s accusations.
ONSA dismissed his claims as false, insisting that no payments were made to bandits. The office said its approach to security involved both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, with measurable gains recorded in the fight against terrorism. It also cautioned against turning security issues into partisan debates.
Similarly, the Kaduna State Government warned El-Rufai against incitement, accusing him of undermining current efforts to stabilize the state. The government contrasted what it described as his “divisive tenure” with what it called “progress in security and development” under the present administration.
Warning Against Political Violence
El-Rufai also alleged that some Kaduna officials were pressuring security agencies to disrupt opposition meetings, citing the reported disruption of an African Democratic Congress (ADC) gathering on August 30, 2025. He warned that such actions risked escalating into anarchy.
“National security is a very serious matter, critical to the peace and prosperity of the country. It is unpatriotic to disguise incompetence in managing it as media stunts,” he said, urging ONSA and KDSG to focus on addressing insecurity.
He further called for integrity in leadership, quoting an African patriot: “Tell no lies, claim no easy victories.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
