The Presidency has issued a formal response to recent claims made by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, alleging that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is paying ransoms and providing food to bandits under a so-called “soft landing” policy.
Speaking during a televised interview, El-Rufai criticized the Federal Government’s non-kinetic approach to insecurity, stating: “What I will not do is pay bandits, give them a monthly allowance, or send them food in the name of non-kinetic action. It’s nonsense; we’re empowering bandits.”
In a swift rebuttal, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) emphasized that the current administration has made significant strides in curbing insecurity across the country. NSA Nuhu Ribadu cited recent data showing the rescue of over 11,000 hostages and the elimination of several bandit leaders in states such as Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina.
“The Federal Government does not, and will never, negotiate from a position of weakness,” Ribadu stated. “We categorically deny any policy that involves paying or feeding criminal elements. Our strategy is rooted in intelligence-driven operations and community engagement, not appeasement.”
The NSA further urged Nigerians to refrain from paying ransoms, warning that such actions only embolden criminal networks. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to restoring peace and security through coordinated military and civilian efforts.
Meanwhile, political analysts have noted that El-Rufai’s recent remarks coincide with his alignment with opposition figures under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), raising questions about the timing and intent of his statements.