The Kaduna State Government has refuted former governor Nasir Ahmad El‑Rufai’s allegation that the current administration authorized a N1 billion payment to bandits. In a recent television interview, El‑Rufai claimed that Governor Uba Sani’s administration paid ransom to criminal groups operating in the state. The government described these claims as baseless, politically motivated and “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility,” according to Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs Dr. Sule Shu’aibu.
The statement emphasized that Governor Uba Sani has never paid, authorized, or negotiated with bandits, and noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had previously dismissed similar accusations as unfounded and inconsistent with national security realities. The federal government, the statement added, does not pay ransom to criminal organizations.
Kaduna’s community‑based security strategy has been praised by security agencies, civil‑society groups and grassroots organizations. The Birnin‑Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance also refuted El‑Rufai’s claims, further undermining his allegations. The state government challenged El‑Rufai to produce evidence—such as bank documents or security briefs—to substantiate his accusations and gave him a one‑week deadline to retract his comments and issue an apology, warning of possible legal action if he fails to comply.
To demonstrate improving security, the government pointed to the reopening of schools, markets and farmlands in previously affected communities, attributing these gains to coordinated efforts between security agencies and community engagement. The Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to transparent governance, accountable security management and the protection of its citizens, while awaiting El‑Rufai’s response to its demand for an apology and retraction.
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