By Erewunmi Peace

Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called for an immediate probe into former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent claims that the Federal Government and Kaduna State operate a “policy of paying bandits.”

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Baba-Ahmed described the allegation as too weighty to be dismissed casually, insisting that El-Rufai should be questioned by security agencies and possibly the courts.

“Somebody who sold Nigeria’s assets for four years is now saying there is a policy of paying bandits. If that is true, then do we even have a government?” Baba-Ahmed asked.

El-Rufai’s Allegation

El-Rufai, while appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on August 31, alleged that both the Federal Government and Kaduna State were implementing what he described as a “kiss-the-bandits” approach. According to him, this involved paying the criminals monthly allowances and providing food supplies.

He claimed the initiative was part of a non-kinetic strategy overseen by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Official Denials

The allegation has been strongly denied by both the Office of the National Security Adviser (headed by Nuhu Ribadu) and the Kaduna State Government, who described El-Rufai’s claims as baseless and misleading.

ONSA emphasized that no government funds had ever been directed to bandits or kidnappers, reiterating its commitment to fighting insecurity through lawful and transparent means.

Baba-Ahmed’s Position

Baba-Ahmed argued that simply denying the allegations was not enough, stressing that Nigerians deserve full transparency. He urged relevant authorities to investigate El-Rufai’s statement to establish the truth.

“For someone of his stature, who has held sensitive positions in government, to make such a claim is disturbing. It cannot be swept under the carpet,” he said.

El-Rufai has previously served as the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Governor of Kaduna State. His recent remarks have stirred political debate and heightened concerns about the government’s handling of security challenges in the country.