Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has ignited a fierce political and security debate by accusing both the Kaduna State Government and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) of paying bandits to secure peace in the region. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on August 31, 2025, El-Rufai alleged that there is a covert “non-kinetic” strategy involving ransom payments and monthly allowances being funneled to armed criminal groups to curb violence. He branded this approach a “kiss-the-bandits policy,” sparking immediate denials and backlash from officials.
El-Rufai’s claims pointed toward a purported scheme involving government officials and intermediaries who allegedly deliver funds and resources to criminal gangs, questioning the ethical and financial implications of such actions. He posed pointed questions on social media about the mechanics of these payments, including the amounts given, identification of middlemen involved, and the suspicious acquisition of prime real estate in Abuja by unnamed individuals, suggesting illicit monies may have been funneled from these transactions. He cited the resurgence of violent attacks in places like Birnin Gwari despite ongoing negotiations as evidence that these payments have not brought peace.
The reaction from federal and state authorities was swift and firm. NSA Nuhu Ribadu publicly rejected El-Rufai’s allegations as “baseless, false, and insulting,” emphasizing that no government agency, including ONSA, has ever authorized ransom payments to bandits. Ribadu insisted that the current administration’s focus is on combining military operations with community engagement to fight insecurity, not paying criminals. Similarly, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani described the accusations as “political mischief” intended to destabilize the state and dismissed the idea of financial inducements to bandits as “nonsense”.
El-Rufai, however, doubled down on his assertions, criticizing what he framed as a politicization of security by government officials seeking to evade accountability. He accused them of prioritizing propaganda over substantive solutions and endangering Nigeria’s security by “mollycoddling bandits.” He also linked the government’s approach to increased insecurity, referencing recent kidnappings and killings in Kaduna State. His outspoken stance has drawn both support and condemnation from political observers and the public, intensifying tensions in a region already grappling with chronic violence.
The controversy highlights the complex challenges in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against banditry and terrorism, where the lines between negotiation, security policy, and alleged appeasement remain deeply contentious. Experts warn that clarity, transparency, and effective security strategies are urgently needed to halt the cycle of violence and restore trust between citizens and authorities.
In summary, El-Rufai’s accusations have amplified a critical conversation about how Nigeria handles insecurity and banditry, raising questions about government accountability and the morality of tactics used to maintain peace.
As Kaduna and Nigeria at large grapple with these issues, the next steps demand independent investigations, open dialogue among stakeholders, and renewed commitment to security reform to protect vulnerable communities and end violence.
