ONSA refutes El-Rufai’s allegation on ransom payments to bandits

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has dismissed claims by former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, that the government pays ransom or incentives to bandits.

El-Rufai, in a television interview on Sunday, alleged that ONSA coordinates a policy of inducements to criminal groups.

But in a statement on Monday in Abuja, ONSA spokesperson, Mr. Zakari Mijinyawa, described the allegation as false and contrary to reality.

“At no time has ONSA, or any arm of government under this administration, engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals,” he said.

He stressed that government has consistently warned citizens against ransom payments, noting that such actions embolden criminal elements.

Mijinyawa explained that the administration’s counter-banditry strategy combines military operations with community engagement, which has produced results in Kaduna State.

He said areas such as Igabi, Birnin Gwari and Giwa local governments—once strongholds of bandits—now enjoy relative peace due to sustained military offensives.

According to him, security forces have neutralised several notorious leaders, including Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow Janburos, Buhari and Boka, while Ansaru commanders attempting to set up bases in Kaduna were arrested.

“These gains came at great cost, with some of our gallant officers paying the supreme price,” he said.

Mijinyawa described it as unfair for a former governor to downplay such sacrifices and urged politicians to avoid dragging security institutions into partisan debates.

“The fight against banditry is a collective struggle, not a platform for political point-scoring,” he added.