Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has dismissed allegations that his administration pays bandits, describing such claims as “political mischief.”
Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Sani responded to remarks by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who alleged that both the Federal Government and the Kaduna State government were funding armed groups under the guise of a “non-kinetic” security approach.
El-Rufai claimed authorities had adopted a “kiss-the-bandits policy” by giving monthly stipends and food supplies to criminal gangs.
But Sani insisted his administration had “not paid one naira to anybody.” He explained that the state’s approach focuses on empowerment, addressing root causes of insecurity, and building community trust — not rewarding criminals.
“The Kaduna model relies on rural development, engaging traditional and religious leaders, and complementing military operations,” he said, stressing that insecurity in the North-West is driven largely by economic factors rather than ideology.
The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) also rejected El-Rufai’s claims as “false and insulting,” saying no government has authorised ransom payments or incentives for armed groups.
El-Rufai has stood by his comments, accusing both ONSA and the Kaduna government of politicising security issues.
