El-Rufai Accuses Federal Government of Funding Bandits Amid Rising Insecurity
Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has publicly criticized the Federal Government for allegedly supporting bandits who are wreaking havoc across Nigeria. In a recent interview with Channels TV on Sunday, August 31, El-Rufai claimed that the government is effectively enabling these criminal groups by providing them with monthly stipends and food supplies under the guise of non-kinetic operations. He described this approach as a “kiss-the-bandits” policy, which he believes is counterproductive to national security.
Critique of the Federal Government’s Approach to Banditry
El-Rufai condemned the strategy of appeasing bandits through financial incentives and sustenance, arguing that it only emboldens them. “I refuse to support paying bandits or supplying them with food as part of any so-called non-kinetic strategy. This is absurd and amounts to empowering criminals,” he stated emphatically. He clarified that this policy is not unique to Kaduna State but is a nationwide directive orchestrated by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Call for a More Aggressive Security Strategy
The former governor advocated for a more forceful response to the banditry crisis, emphasizing that rehabilitation efforts should not overshadow the need for accountability. “In my view, the only bandit who has truly repented is one who is no longer alive. We must intensify military operations-bombing and neutralizing these criminals-before considering rehabilitation for the few willing to abandon their violent ways,” El-Rufai asserted.
Warning Against Negotiating from a Position of Weakness
El-Rufai warned that negotiating with bandits while providing them resources only strengthens their capacity to acquire advanced weaponry, thereby prolonging the insecurity that plagues states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna. “You cannot empower your adversaries by funding them; this is why the security challenges persist and will continue as long as this policy remains in place,” he explained.
Local Realities Contradict Official Narratives
He challenged government officials to deny these allegations, stating that residents of the most affected states are fully aware of the situation on the ground. “Those living in the hotspots know the truth. When the time is right, we will disclose all the facts,” El-Rufai concluded.
As Nigeria grapples with escalating banditry, recent data from the Nigeria Security Tracker indicates a 15% increase in violent incidents linked to armed groups in the first half of 2025 compared to the previous year. This underscores the urgency of revisiting current policies and adopting more effective security measures.
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