…Accuses Kaduna Gov’t of stifling opposition
Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, has accused the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Kaduna State Government of silencing dissent rather than addressing Nigeria’s deepening insecurity.
He alleged that both institutions have weaponised national security for political purposes while secretly channelling funds to armed groups.
The claims were contained in a statement signed by El-Rufai on Monday, issued in response to counter-claims from ONSA and the Kaduna Government over his recent interview on Channels Television.
“As usual, the combined voices of the Government of Kaduna State (KDSG) and ONSA, instead of addressing the core issues I raised, seek to deflect responsibility by alleging that exposing them amounts to politicising security,” the statement read in part.
El-Rufai, whose three siblings served in the Nigerian Army and Air Force, with one attaining the rank of general, expressed deep respect for security personnel. He praised the sacrifices of military officers and other security operatives, while questioning the approach of those in charge of national security.
“It is a well-known fact to discerning Nigerians that the face of the politicisation of national security for politically intended purposes resides, for the first time in our recent history, in the ONSA under its present leadership.
“If the ONSA thinks Nigerians are not following its unclear and incompetent management of terrorism and banditry in Northern Nigeria and beyond, in collaboration with a certain senator, also from the North, then it is high time it carried out an in-depth evaluation and review of its actions,” he said.
El-Rufai claimed that several northern states, including Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger and Kebbi, have been funnelling money to armed groups, an issue widely known to traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities. He criticised attempts to deny these payments, arguing that public testimonies from affected communities undermine official denials.
“We spoke the minds of distressed communities across Nigeria who are victims of banditry and terrorism, and who are watching with pain the way and manner the ONSA, which ought to be discreet and purely carry out intelligence coordination, is now deeply involved in lousy protocol and public relations duties along with politically inclined security management at the expense of the expertise of trained professionals,” he added.
The former governor accused the National Security Adviser of turning “non-kinetic” security operations into a lucrative scheme, alleging that large sums are being withdrawn from government coffers under the pretext of negotiating with bandits. He demanded transparency on funds allegedly delivered to armed groups through intermediaries.
El-Rufai also criticised the Kaduna State Government for withholding accurate data on killings and kidnappings. He recalled that his administration consistently published quarterly security reports, while the current government, he said, has been suppressing local media and underreporting attacks.
He further accused ONSA of staging high-profile rescues of kidnap victims, claiming that families had already paid ransom before security agencies announced dramatic rescue operations. Such actions, he argued, were deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
El-Rufai condemned the visible participation of senior security officers at political gatherings, describing their presence at rallies as a further sign of politicised security management. He also called for transparency over housing schemes for victims of banditry, urging Nigerians to verify whether intended beneficiaries have been resettled.
He maintained that insecurity can only be effectively tackled through investment in modern technology, well-trained personnel and sufficient funding, rather than propaganda campaigns.
The former governor warned that efforts by ONSA and the Kaduna Government to intimidate political rivals under the guise of security management could destabilise the country and deepen unrest.
