Major General Emeka Onumajuru, the Chief of Defence Operations, on Tuesday refuted allegations that the Nigerian Armed Forces are making financial payments to bandits wreaking havoc in communities nationwide.
Addressing the issue, Onumajuru clarified that the military’s strategy to tackle insecurity is rooted in the national Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) program, managed through Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe State for the North-East and Zamfara State for the North-West.
“The essence of this national framework is for bandits who clearly want another route out of criminality. You surrender your weapons, and you are profiled in detail,” he stated.
“Those found culpable face the law, while others who were forcibly conscripted or not directly involved in violent crimes are admitted into DDR centres for rehabilitation,” he added.
Onumajuru emphasized that the Ministry of Justice oversees the process to ensure transparency and prevent impunity, with rehabilitation efforts focused on individuals deemed redeemable after rigorous vetting.
The statement follows controversy ignited by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who, during an interview on Channels Television, accused the Federal Government of implementing a “kiss-the-bandits policy” by allegedly providing monthly stipends and food supplies to bandits under the pretext of non-kinetic measures.
El-Rufai argued that such actions only embolden criminals and exacerbate insecurity.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) promptly dismissed these claims as “baseless and false.”
“At no time has the ONSA, or any arm of government under this administration, engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals. On the contrary, we have consistently warned Nigerians against paying ransom. El-Rufai’s allegations contradict verifiable facts on the ground,” stated ONSA spokesperson Zakari Mijinyawa in a release.
The military called on communities to bolster border security initiatives, underscoring that cooperation between citizens and security forces is essential to curb cross-border crimes and safeguard national security.
What You Should Know
On September 2, 2025, Major General Emeka Onumajuru, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Operations, denied claims that the military supports payments to bandits, emphasizing the Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR) program under Operation Safe Corridor in Gombe and Zamfara States.
The program targets bandits seeking to leave crime, with thorough profiling to ensure accountability, overseen by the Ministry of Justice. The remarks counter former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s allegations of a “kiss-the-bandits policy” involving stipends and food supplies, which the Office of the National Security Adviser called baseless.
The military urged community support for border security to combat cross-border crimes.
