Nuhu Ribadu denies El-Rufai’s claims of ransom payment to bandits by NSA

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has strongly refuted allegations made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who claimed on national television that the NSA is responsible for coordinating ransom payments and incentives to bandits. Ribadu characterized El-Rufai’s assertions as “false” and “baseless.”

In a statement released by Zakari Mijinyawa, an adviser in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Ribadu clarified that the ONSA has never engaged in any form of ransom payments to criminals. “At no time has the ONSA, or any arm of government under this administration, engaged in ransom payments or inducements to criminals,” the statement read.

Ribadu further emphasized the government’s consistent warning against paying ransoms, stating, “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 the ground.”

The NSA highlighted the government’s comprehensive approach to tackling banditry, which combines military operations with community engagement. He pointed to successes in various areas of Kaduna that had previously suffered from violence, crediting the military and security agencies for their efforts.

“The efforts of our gallant military and security agencies in capturing or eliminating notorious bandits have been widely reported in the media,” he noted.

In light of El-Rufai’s claims, Ribadu expressed disappointment, stating, “For a former governor of a state, in the person of El-Rufai, to deny these sacrifices on national television is both unfair and deeply insulting to the memories of our security personnel.”

He concluded by urging political figures to refrain from politicizing national security, affirming, “The fight against banditry is a collective struggle, not a platform for political point-scoring.”

Source: DAILY POST