Nigeria’s Insecurity: El-Rufai Blames FG’s ‘Kiss-The-Bandits’ Policy

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has accused the Federal Government of fuelling insecurity in Nigeria through policies that, according to him, strengthen bandits rather than eliminate them.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai alleged that the government pays monthly allowances and sends food supplies to armed groups under the guise of non-kinetic measures. He described the approach as a “kiss-the-bandits policy,” warning that it has emboldened criminals across several northern states.

“What I will never do is to pay bandits or feed them. That’s not a solution, it’s nonsense. We are only empowering our enemies,” he said.

The ex-governor, who also served as Minister of the FCT, insisted that only forceful military action can end banditry. “The only repentant bandit is a dead one. We must bomb them until nothing remains. The very few that survive can then be rehabilitated,” he stated.

El-Rufai argued that negotiating from a position of weakness and funding criminals has worsened insecurity in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna. He added that those who live in affected communities know the reality, even if government officials deny it.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu maintains that insecurity has reduced under President Bola Tinubu’s government. He cited the rescue of over 11,000 hostages and the killing of several bandit leaders in operations across the North-West, attributing the progress to a unified security strategy.

El-Rufai’s criticism comes as Nigeria grapples with recurring attacks in Katsina, Benue, and Plateau states, raising fresh questions over the government’s handling of national security.