Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
In a politically charged and increasingly contentious debate over Nigeria’s approach to addressing insecurity, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai has publicly accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, of authorising payments to armed criminals, including Fulani terrorists, as part of a purported ransom‑based strategy to tackle the epidemic of school kidnappings and banditry across northern Nigeria. The allegations, vehemently denied by the federal government and security authorities, have sparked a bitter public dispute, raising questions about strategy, accountability, and transparency in the nation’s security architecture.
El‑Rufai levelled the accusations during a high‑profile television appearance, asserting that the federal government’s adopted non‑kinetic approach to insecurity effectively translated into “pampering bandits” with monthly allowances, food, and other incentives. He characterised what he described as an official policy of “kiss‑the‑bandits” as a dangerous departure from more conventional military tactics and a policy that would financially empower criminal groups and further destabilise already vulnerable communities. According to El‑Rufai, these alleged payments were not only directed at known bandits but also served as ransom to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren — a claim that touched on one of the most emotionally charged facets of Nigeria’s prolonged crisis of mass kidnappings.
The former governor’s assertions reflect deep frustration among some critics of the current administration’s security strategy, particularly in states like Kaduna that have borne the brunt of prolonged violence, kidnapping, and banditry over the past decade. El‑Rufai, who led Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023, has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as inconsistent and ineffective federal security policies, accusing national authorities of mismanagement and politicising the crisis for electoral advantage. His comments have reignited debates within political and security circles about the appropriate balance between military force, community engagement, and negotiation in addressing Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
In response to the allegations, NSA Nuhu Ribadu has issued a forceful rejection, dismissing the claims as “false, baseless, and deeply insulting” to Nigeria’s security forces. In a statement released through his office and signed by senior aides, Ribadu categorically denied that the NSA, or any arm of government under the current administration, had engaged in ransom payments or any form of inducements to criminals. The statement emphasised that the federal government consistently warns against the payment of ransoms, contending that such transactions fuel criminal activity rather than deter it. Ribadu and his spokesperson underscored that the government’s operational strategy combines decisive kinetic military actions with non‑kinetic community engagement measures designed to address local grievances and undermine the support structures of insurgent groups.
Ribadu’s office also highlighted achievements in the fight against banditry and terrorism as evidence of the government’s commitment to confronting insecurity without resorting to financial appeasement. Officials pointed to a series of reported successes, including the neutralisation of high‑profile criminal leaders and the dismantling of terror bases, particularly around areas of Kaduna State that had been hotspots of violence. These actions, the NSA’s office argues, are consistent with a national security framework aimed at restoring peace, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting civilian populations.
The Kaduna State Government has also weighed in, denying similar claims that it authorised the payment of funds to criminals and demanding that El‑Rufai substantiate his allegations with evidence or issue a public apology. In a statement issued through the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the administration described the accusations as “reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading,” and challenged the former governor to provide concrete proof, such as financial records or official documents, to support his assertions. The government warned that failure to do so could result in legal action, emphasising that no public funds had been directed to criminal groups under its watch.
The exchange has generated concern among analysts and civil society actors who warn that polarised rhetoric on national security issues risks undermining public trust in state institutions and distracts from efforts to develop coherent, evidence‑based strategies to protect citizens. Kidnapping for ransom — including high‑profile abductions from schools — remains one of the most pressing security challenges in Nigeria, drawing international condemnation and domestic alarm. According to security experts, negotiated releases and informal payments have, in some cases outside official state channels, become part of the complex dynamics between criminal groups and affected communities, raising ethical and strategic dilemmas for policymakers.
Independent observers note that the Buhari and Tinubu administrations have pursued a range of tactics in response to the surge in banditry and terrorism, from military operations to community dialogue initiatives. The current administration, in particular, has emphasised a mix of forceful engagements with criminal elements and efforts to address underlying socioeconomic grievances that may fuel support for insurgent groups. Yet critics argue that the persistence of kidnappings and insecurity suggests the need for a clearer, more transparent approach that prioritises accountability and measurable outcomes.
The dispute between El‑Rufai and Ribadu also reflects broader tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape, where security policy has increasingly become a focal point of criticism and contestation ahead of upcoming elections. With security crises affecting multiple regions and communities, political leaders frequently find themselves under pressure to demonstrate effective solutions, while opponents leverage public insecurity to challenge the credibility of ruling authorities. Such dynamics complicate efforts to forge unified national strategies for peace and stability.
As the debate continues, both supporters and opponents of the alleged ransom policy have called for greater transparency and independent investigation into the claims. Human rights advocates and community leaders have underscored the need for policies that protect citizens without empowering criminal networks, urging authorities to provide clarity on engagement protocols with armed actors and to strengthen mechanisms for accountability in security operations. The controversy underscores the delicate balance Nigeria must strike between confronting violent non‑state actors and upholding the rule of law.
In the coming weeks, attention is likely to focus on whether El‑Rufai pursues further evidence to substantiate his allegations or whether the federal and state governments take legal or political steps to counter the claims. Meanwhile, the broader struggle against banditry, terrorism, and mass kidnappings persists as one of the most critical challenges facing Nigeria’s leaders and citizens alike.
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