El-Rufai accuses the federal government of empowering bandits with food and money, calling the policy counterproductive and a threat to national security.
Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has delivered a scathing critique of the Federal Government’s approach to tackling insecurity in northern Nigeria, accusing it of inadvertently—or even deliberately—empowering armed bandits.
According to El-Rufai, certain federal policies, described as “non-kinetic” strategies, involve providing bandits with monthly financial allowances and food supplies, a practice he claims has worsened insecurity rather than curbed it.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, a popular programme on Channels Television, El-Rufai labeled the policy as a “kiss-the-bandits” strategy, asserting that it is orchestrated by the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
“What I will not do is pay bandits, give them a monthly allowance, or send food to them under the pretext of non-kinetic operations. It’s nonsensical. We are literally empowering criminals,” he said, stressing his firm opposition to any form of appeasement.
El-Rufai argued that offering incentives to armed criminals only emboldens them, making them more brazen in their attacks and extending the cycle of violence.
“You don’t empower your enemy. You don’t give them money to buy sophisticated weapons and expect peace.
“That is precisely why the insecurity problem persists in Nigeria. As long as this policy continues, the situation will not improve,” he asserted.
The former governor, who also served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, went further to denounce negotiations with bandits as both ineffective and dangerous.
“My position has always been clear: the only repentant bandit is a dead one. We should eliminate them. Bomb their camps until they are reduced to nothing.
“Only after that should we consider rehabilitating the very small fraction—perhaps five percent—who are genuinely willing to reform,” El-Rufai emphasized, leaving no room for ambiguity on his stance.
He also claimed that the public in northern states such as Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna are aware of what he described as government-sanctioned appeasement of criminals.
“They can attempt deception, cover-ups, or spin propaganda, but the people living in Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna know the truth. They witness the consequences firsthand,” he said.
Challenging authorities to confront his claims, El-Rufai added: “Let any governor—or any official—come forward to deny this. When the time comes, we will reveal everything, and Nigerians will know the reality of what is happening behind the scenes.”
This statement adds to growing criticism of the federal approach to security in northern Nigeria, where repeated attacks by armed groups have left communities vulnerable and residents living in fear.
El-Rufai’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate over whether negotiation, appeasement, or force is the most effective way to restore peace in the region.
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