The Kaduna State Government has strongly criticised former Governor Nasir El-Rufai for alleging that federal and state authorities were “bribing bandits” to secure peace.
In a statement issued on Monday, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Suleiman Shuaibu, described the remarks as “calculated, malicious lies designed to undermine security efforts, incite public anger, and legitimise criminality.”
Shuaibu accused the former governor of attempting to destabilise Kaduna following the defeat of his political allies in the August 16 by-elections.
“This government will not fold its arms and allow a discredited former leader, who left the state in ruins, to ignite chaos and plunge the state into another era of ethno-religious tension, insecurity, and economic stagnation,” he said.
He further alleged that El-Rufai convened an “illegal and chaotic meeting” with his associates on August 30, which degenerated into violence. “True to form, El-Rufai attempted to shift blame by falsely accusing the government of sponsoring thugs to disrupt the meeting,” Shuaibu noted.
FG Already Denied Claims
The Commissioner reminded residents that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) had already dismissed El-Rufai’s bribery claims, stressing that neither the federal nor Kaduna state governments had ever paid bandits.
“On the contrary, both governments have consistently urged Nigerians never to pay ransom and have committed to pursuing justice through coordinated military and community engagement strategies,” he added.
Security Gains Under Uba Sani
Shuaibu highlighted progress under Governor Uba Sani, pointing to improved security in flashpoint areas such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Kajuru, and Kachia. He said notorious bandit leaders had been neutralised, while Ansaru members were arrested.
“For a former governor to publicly deny these hard-won victories, and in doing so insult the memory of brave officers who died in the line of duty, is beyond shameful,” he said.
The statement contrasted El-Rufai’s eight-year rule, described as “division and intimidation,” with Uba Sani’s nearly two years of “inclusion, dialogue, and development.”
Warning to El-Rufai
The government urged residents not to fall for “the provocations of a failed leader trying to stay relevant by plunging the state into anarchy.”
“The Kaduna State Government will do whatever it takes, within the bounds of the law, to preserve the peace and stability that our people have worked so hard to rebuild,” Shuaibu warned.
“No individual, no matter how highly placed or previously powerful, will be allowed to destabilise the state. The peace of Kaduna State is non-negotiable.”
What You Should Know
The Kaduna State Government has condemned former governor Nasir El-Rufai for alleging that federal and state governments are “bribing bandits” to secure peace, labeling his claims as malicious lies aimed at undermining security efforts.
Commissioner Suleiman Shuaibu accused El-Rufai of plotting to destabilize the state through provocation and incitement, particularly after his allies’ defeat in the August 16, 2025, by-elections.
The government criticized El-Rufai’s tenure for fostering division, contrasting it with Governor Uba Sani’s focus on inclusion and progress, including security gains in areas like Birnin Gwari.
The Office of the National Security Adviser refuted El-Rufai’s claims, and the state warned him against threatening stability, emphasizing that security agencies are on alert.
