The Kaduna State Government has flatly denied former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai’s recent claim that the current administration allegedly paid ₦1 billion to bandits.
El-Rufai made the allegation during an interview on Channels Television, a statement the government describes as “false, reckless, and politically motivated.”
According to the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the former governor’s remarks are “a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine the steady progress Kaduna is recording in restoring peace.”
The Commissioner for Internal Security, Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, said it was disappointing that a former leader would “weaponise an issue as sensitive as security for political theatre,” instead of demonstrating restraint and statesmanship.
Governor Uba Sani, he noted, has repeatedly maintained that his administration does not negotiate with or pay any form of ransom, inducement, or support to criminal groups. “Not one naira. Not one kobo,” he has publicly declared in several interviews and security briefings.
The government also pointed to earlier statements from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which previously dismissed similar allegations from El-Rufai as unfounded and disconnected from actual security operations in the country. ONSA has maintained that paying ransom is not the policy of the Federal Government or any legitimate state authority.
Kaduna officials say the State’s current security strategy, centred on coordinated military operations, stronger intelligence-sharing, and deep engagement with lawful community leaders, is yielding real results. Communities previously hit hard by banditry, including Birnin-Gwari, have openly rejected El-Rufai’s claims, calling them distortions that do not reflect realities on the ground.
In an ironic twist, the statement also recalled that some senior officials who served under El-Rufai had, in the past, accused him of using public funds to appease certain non-state actors, including herders and bandits, allegations he has never addressed.
Under Governor Uba Sani, schools, farms, and markets have reopened across previously troubled localities. Security agencies now operate with stronger coordination, and community trust is gradually being rebuilt.
The government challenged El-Rufai to provide evidence , bank records, memos, security documents, if any exists. After similar claims he made in September 2025, no proof has ever surfaced.
The Kaduna State Government is demanding an unreserved public apology from El-Rufai within one week. Failure to retract his statement, it warned, will leave the government with no choice but to pursue legal action to protect public order.
“Kaduna has moved past the era of sensational claims without evidence,” the statement concluded. “This administration is committed to responsible, transparent, and effective security governance.”
– Kabido News