LunagisthubFG Denies Empowering Bandits, Calls El-Rufai’s Claim Baseless
The Federal Government has denied allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, that it empowers bandits by paying them a “monthly allowance” and sending “food to them in the name of non-kinetic.” The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) described the allegation as baseless and contradicted by verifiable facts.
ONSA stated that it does not coordinate a policy of payments and incentives to bandits. Instead, the government has adopted a dual strategy of decisive kinetic operations and community engagements aimed at addressing local grievances. The result is evident in areas that once suffered terror but are now experiencing relative peace.
The government highlighted the successes recorded in the fight against banditry, including the capture or elimination of notorious bandits. The ONSA noted that these successes came at a cost, with some brave officers paying the supreme price.
The government urged El-Rufai and all political actors to desist from dragging national security institutions into partisan battles. The fight against banditry is a collective struggle, not a platform for political point-scoring.
The government’s response highlights the importance of accurate information in the fight against insecurity. Baseless allegations can undermine the efforts of security agencies and create confusion among the public.
What do you think about the government’s denial of empowering bandits? Do you think El-Rufai’s allegations were baseless, or was there any truth to them?
Lunagisthub
