Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has alleged that his successor, Governor Uba Sani, and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, are adopting a security approach that ultimately strengthens bandits.
El-Rufai made the claim in reaction to a social media post by X user @realYusufTukur, who lamented the recent kidnapping of over 30 people in Kaduna State.
Kidnapping in Kagarko LGA
The incident occurred in Kagarko Local Government Area, where bandits reportedly abducted Wakilin Fulani of Janjala, Alhaji Atah Adamu Wakili, a nursing mother, and 37 other residents.
Yusuf Tukur expressed concern that the attack had not gained widespread attention because El-Rufai was no longer in office, implying that criticism of insecurity was selective. He also accused NSA Nuhu Ribadu of prioritizing politics over security.
El-Rufai’s Response
Sharing the post on X, El-Rufai alleged that ransom payments were being used as a strategy to secure the release of victims, only for the NSA to later present them to the state government in a publicized handover ceremony.
“The kidnappers will be paid to release them early, and then the NSA will hand the victims over to the state government in a colorful ceremony. Propaganda trumps sensible governance.”
The former governor warned that such tactics financially empower terrorists, enabling them to acquire more advanced weapons and carry out further abductions in Kaduna and other states.
“The terrorists, thus further financially empowered, will purchase even more sophisticated weapons and abduct even more people in Kaduna and elsewhere. That is the new ‘modus operandi’ of the geniuses in charge of our state these days.”
El-Rufai’s comments add to the ongoing political and security debate in Kaduna, where banditry and kidnappings remain a major concern.
