The Nigerian government has dismissed claims made by Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State. El-Rugai had suggested that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was coordinating payments and offering incentives to bandits.
But on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, posted a rebuttal on X.
He relayed a statement from Zakari Mijinyawa, the press secretary for the ONSA, who referred to the claims as unfounded. Both men stressed that neither the ONSA nor any part of the government has engaged in ransom or incentives for criminals.
El-Rufai alleged during a Sunday TV interview that the ONSA is facilitating payments and incentives for bandits to shield the government from criticism over security lapses.
However, the ONSA has always cautioned Nigerians against paying ransom. They emphasised that El-Rufai’s claims are false and don’t match the facts.
Zakari said the new dual strategy under Tinubu’s administration combines strong military actions with engaging local communities to address grievances.
This approach, he claims, is helping places like Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa enjoy more peace compared to when they were plagued by terror.
ONSA Response and Achievements
The Office of the National Security Adviser repeated that El-Rufai’s comments as contrary to proven facts. The ONSA highlighted that their military and security teams have taken down key criminals.
In Kaduna alone, notorious figures like Boderi, Baleri, and others have been removed from the scene. Recently, leaders of the group Ansaru, who had set up bases in Kaduna, were also captured.
They acknowledged the sacrifices of their security personnel, some of whom lost their lives in the effort to combat banditry. They said El-Rufai’s comments on national TV were both unfair and insulting to those who served.
ONSA called on El-Rufai and other politicians to stop dragging national security into political disputes, saying the fight against banditry is a shared effort and not a tool for gaining political advantage.
They reminded everyone that success in this fight relies on collaboration, not division.
So, how do you think politicians can balance supporting national security beyond partisan interests while criticising the government as part of their role in opposition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!Rate, Like 👍, Comment💬, share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
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