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Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is providing monthly stipends and food supplies to armed bandits operating in northern Nigeria.
El-Rufai made the claim during an interview on Sunday Politics, a current affairs programme on Channels Television. He said the payments and supplies are reportedly facilitated through the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
According to El-Rufai, “The government has a policy of paying bandits, facilitated by the office of the NSA. They even give them cash and send them food.”
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News Week Nigeria reports that the former governor’s comments have sparked fresh debate on the Federal Government’s counterterrorism approach, especially in northern states such as Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger, which have experienced years of kidnappings, attacks, and mass displacement.
Public Reactions
The allegation has generated wide discussions on social media platforms, with some users questioning the credibility of the claim and others defending the Federal Government’s security strategy.
A user on X (formerly Twitter), Abiola Oladipupo (@AbiolaO13064341), responded:
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“Under NSA Ribadu, that was alleged to be paying bandits, bandit leaders were killed in dozens, and peace almost returned to troubled areas compared to when they weren’t paid allegedly. Only the people of Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, etc., can tell.”
This reaction reflects the division among Nigerians on whether dialogue and incentives for armed groups can bring lasting peace or whether a stronger military response is needed.
Background on Insecurity in Northern Nigeria
For over a decade, communities in Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Katsina, and other northern states have been under siege from bandits, armed herdsmen, and criminal networks that carry out kidnappings for ransom, cattle rustling, and mass killings.
Efforts by successive administrations, including military operations such as Operation Safe Haven and Operation Hadarin Daji, have so far struggled to eradicate the threat completely.
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Past reports from security analysts and rights groups indicate that some local authorities in rural areas have engaged in informal peace deals with armed groups, often involving negotiations and material incentives. However, the effectiveness of such approaches remains a matter of public debate.
Calls for Official Clarification
As of press time, neither the Office of the National Security Adviser nor the Presidency has issued a statement in response to El-Rufai’s allegations. Security experts are urging the government to address the claim promptly to maintain public trust in its counterterrorism policies.
Analysts say transparency is crucial in the fight against insecurity, especially as Nigeria continues to face multiple security threats, including insurgency in the northeast, separatist unrest in the southeast, and rising incidents of violent crime nationwide.
Key Takeaway
El-Rufai’s comments have reignited scrutiny of the Federal Government’s strategy against banditry and terrorism. His allegations, if confirmed, would highlight a controversial approach to national security—one that involves negotiations and possible concessions to criminal groups. Nigerians are now awaiting an official response to these claims, which could shape future security policy discussions.
