The Kaduna State Government has refuted allegations made by former governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, who claimed that the current administration authorized a N1 billion payment to bandits. According to the government, these claims are baseless and politically motivated.

El-Rufai’s allegations were made during a recent television interview, where he stated that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ransom to criminal groups operating in the state. However, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shu’aibu, dismissed these claims as “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility” intended to mislead the public.

The government emphasized that Governor Uba Sani has never paid, authorized the payment, or negotiated with bandits. It also highlighted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had previously dismissed similar claims as unfounded and inconsistent with national security realities. The federal government, according to the statement, does not pay ransom to criminal organizations.

Kaduna’s community-based security strategy has received praise from security agencies, civil society groups, and grassroots organizations. The Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance reportedly refuted El-Rufai’s claims, further undermining his allegations. The government challenged El-Rufai to provide evidence, such as bank documents or security briefs, to support his claims.

The Kaduna State Government gave El-Rufai a one-week deadline to retract his comments and issue an apology, warning of possible legal action if he fails to comply. The government pointed to the reopening of schools, markets, and farmlands in previously affected communities as evidence of improving security, credited to coordinated efforts between security agencies and community engagement.

The state government remains committed to transparent governance, accountable security management, and protection of its citizens. The allegations made by El-Rufai have been strongly denied, and the government has called for evidence to support these claims. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how El-Rufai will respond to the government’s demands for an apology and retraction of his statements.