El-Rufai accuses ONSA, Kaduna govt of politicizing national security

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State Government of politicizing national security and diverting attention from the core issues of insecurity in the country.

In a statement issued on Monday in response to reactions from the ONSA and Kaduna State Government over his recent television interview, El-Rufai said the authorities failed to address the “substantive issues” he raised, instead resorting to propaganda.

El-Rufai alleged that the ONSA, under its current leadership, has “politicized security management” and engaged in practices that include alleged payments to bandits in Northern states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger. He claimed that videos and statements by traditional rulers and community leaders have confirmed such payments.

“The attempt at denial falls flat as many citizens in the affected states have been following the counter-replies by community leaders and clerics on the issue of government paying bandits,” he said.

The former governor also accused the ONSA of prioritizing “protocol and propaganda” over intelligence coordination, while neglecting the support and resources required by security agencies.

He further questioned what he described as the “parade of rescued victims,” alleging that some families had paid ransom for the release of abducted relatives, contrary to official narratives.

On Kaduna State, El-Rufai faulted the government for allegedly suppressing reports of security incidents and attacking data from independent research groups.

He contrasted this with his own administration, which he said published quarterly and annual security reports “without distortion.”

El-Rufai challenged both the ONSA and Kaduna Government to disclose details of negotiations with so-called repentant bandits, including disarmament and reintegration measures.

He warned that suppressing dissent and politicizing security could fuel instability, urging authorities to focus instead on providing resources and equipment for the military and security agencies.

“Insecurity is the menace they ought to eliminate, not opposition voices and platforms,” he said.

The former governor concluded by calling on government officials to uphold truth and accountability in addressing insecurity.