The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed as false and baseless allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, that the Federal Government pays incentives and ransom to bandits.
In a statement signed by Zakari Mijinyawa on Monday, ONSA described El-Rufai’s claims, aired during a television interview on Sunday, as misleading and unfair to the sacrifices of security operatives who have lost their lives in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
“At no time has the ONSA, or any arm of government under this administration, engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals,” the statement read. “On the contrary, we have consistently warned Nigerians against paying ransom.”
The NSA’s office outlined the government’s approach, noting that since inception, a dual strategy combining decisive military operations with community engagements had been adopted to address both the violence and its root causes.
It highlighted improved security in Kaduna’s troubled areas such as Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa, which had long been hotspots of bandit activity.
According to the statement, sustained military action has led to the elimination of notorious kingpins including Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow Janburos, Buhari, and Boka, while leaders of the extremist group Ansaru, who once operated from Kaduna, have also been apprehended.
“These successes came at a cost, with some of our gallant officers paying the supreme price,” ONSA said. “For a former governor to deny these sacrifices on national television is both unfair and deeply insulting to the memories of our security personnel.”
The NSA’s office further urged El-Rufai and other political actors not to politicize national security, stressing that the fight against banditry is a collective struggle that requires unity, not divisive rhetoric.
LV