The Office of the National Security Adviser has responded to the allegations made by former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai on the federal government empowering bandits.
Daily Sun reported that El-Rufai accused the federal government of coordinating payments and other inducements to bandits, while alleging that the Kaduna government paid as much as ₦1 billion to criminal groups.
Reacting in a statement signed by Zakari Mijinyawa for ONSA on Monday, the ONSA called the allegations baseless, saying the claims contradict verifiable facts.
“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 are not only false but also contradict verifiable facts on ground.
“From inception, this government adopted a dual strategy: decisive kinetic operations alongside community engagements aimed at addressing local grievances.
“The result is evident in areas such as Igabi, Birnin Gwari, Giwa, and other parts of Kaduna that once suffered untold terror in Kaduna State but are now experiencing relative peace,” part of the statement reads.