Kaduna State Govt Denies El-Rufai’s Claims of Paying N1 Billion to Bandits

The Kaduna State Government has dismissed allegations by former governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai that the current administration authorised a N1 billion payment to bandits, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated.

El-Rufai, in a recent television interview, accused Governor Uba Sani’s administration of paying ransom to criminal groups operating in the state.

Responding, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Sule Shu’aibu, described the allegations as “a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility” and said they were intended to mislead the public.

“Governor Uba Sani has never paid, authorised the payment, or negotiated with bandits. He does not know any bandits, has never met them, and has never disbursed a single naira to criminal groups,” the statement said. It added that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had previously dismissed similar claims as unfounded and inconsistent with national security realities, noting that the federal government does not pay ransoms to criminal organisations.

Authorities highlighted Kaduna’s community-based security strategy, which has received commendations from security agencies, civil society groups, and grassroots organisations, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, which reportedly refuted El-Rufai’s claims.

The government challenged El-Rufai to provide evidence—such as bank documents, security briefs, internal memos, or admissible testimony—to substantiate his allegations. Officials recalled that similar claims made in September 2025 went unproven and issued him a one-week deadline to retract his statements and apologise, warning of potential legal action if he fails to comply.

Kaduna authorities noted that the reopening of schools, markets, and farmlands in previously affected communities reflects ongoing security improvements, credited to coordinated efforts between security agencies and local communities.

“Kaduna State remains committed to transparent governance, accountable security management, and the protection of its citizens. We will not be derailed by orchestrated falsehoods,” the statement concluded.