“Kaduna Tell El-Rufai Make Im Prove N1bn Bandits Payment In One Week”

Kaduna State Government on Sunday give ex-governor Nasir El-Rufai one week make e substantiate im claim say Governor Uba Sani administration pay N1 billion to bandits. Government dismiss di allegation as “false and politically motivated” and talk say El-Rufai must provide proof or tender public apology, if not e go face legal action. El-Rufai bin allege for recent Channels Television interview say state government dey pay criminal groups as part of security arrangements. But di state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Shu’aibu (SAN), call di claim “reckless, baseless and deliberately misleading,” criticise am for “weaponising sensitive security issue for political grandstanding,” and insist Governor Sani never authorise, negotiate, or pay any money to criminals, “Not one naira. Not one kobo.”

Government emphasise say Office of National Security Adviser don already dismiss similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded, and neither Federal nor state government dey pay ransom to criminals. Kaduna administration highlight dia community-focused security strategy, wey include strong military operations, engagement with legitimate community leaders, and improved access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Statement talk say “state dey engage communities, not bandits.” Grassroots groups like Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance also refute El-Rufai claims as misleading. Government challenge El-Rufai to provide credible evidence like bank records, internal memos, or security documents, and reaffirm commitment to transparency, responsible security governance, and peacebuilding, warning say dem no go distracted by “politics of bitterness, fear mongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.”