By Smart Emmanuel,

The Kaduna State Government in Nigeria has rejected claims by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai that it paid ₦1 billion to bandits, describing the allegation as “fabrication, devoid of context, substance or credibility.” The state has demanded a formal apology and retraction within one week, warning that legal action will follow if the request is ignored.

The allegation, made during an interview with Channels Television, was condemned by Sule Shu’aibu, Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, as an attempt to mislead the public, inflame tensions, and undermine ongoing security initiatives in Kaduna State.

Shu’aibu emphasized that Governor Uba Sani has consistently affirmed publicly that his administration has never authorized payments or inducements to criminal actors, stating clearly: “Not one naira. Not one kobo.” These declarations have been reinforced through multiple press briefings, interviews, and engagements with security stakeholders.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has previously dismissed similar claims by El-Rufai as unfounded, inaccurate, and disconnected from national security realities, highlighting that neither federal nor state governments pay ransom to criminal organizations as a matter of policy.

The Kaduna government criticized the former governor’s remarks as politically motivated, highlighting the wider implications for public confidence and regional stability. Shu’aibu said: “True leadership requires maturity, a commitment to truth, and a steadfast dedication to social harmony. Reckless political theatrics imperil public confidence and safety.”

The incident underscores the sensitive security dynamics across Nigeria and West Africa, where allegations of collusion with criminal actors can inflame tensions and affect governance. African policymakers and diaspora communities are closely monitoring the situation as Kaduna State seeks accountability and the preservation of public trust.

…Find below the statement by Sule Shu’aibu

RE: FALSE CLAIMS BY FORMER GOVERNOR NASIR EL-RUFAI ON THE ALLEGED ₦1 BILLION PAYMENT TO BANDITS

The Kaduna State Government deems it imperative to address, with the greatest clarity and firmness, the astonishing and politically-charged allegations recently uttered by former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai during an interview on Channels Television. In that broadcast, he claimed, without a shred of evidence, that the current administration under His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, CON, authorised the payment of ₦1 billion to bandits.

2. This claim is not merely inaccurate; it is a fabrication devoid of context, substance, or credibility. Its intent is transparent: to mislead the public, inflame passions, and erode the remarkable progress being made to restore peace and communal resilience across our State. Such conduct, coming from one who once occupied the highest office in Kaduna, is profoundly disappointing.
3. For a former governor, one who ought to embody the sobriety and restraint of a statesman, to recklessly weaponise an issue as sensitive as security for political grandstanding is a disservice to the very people he once led. True leadership requires maturity, a commitment to truth, and a steadfast dedication to social harmony. What the moment demands is an elder’s wisdom, not theatrics that imperil public confidence and safety.
4. His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani, has consistently, repeatedly, and unequivocally affirmed in public fora that this administration has never, and would never, pay money to criminal actors. He has stated unambiguously that he does not know any bandits, has never met or spoken to them, and has never authorised the negotiation or disbursement of any ransom, allowance, inducement, or covert funding. Not one naira. Not one kobo. These declarations have been reinforced through multiple interviews, press briefings, and stakeholder engagements.
5. It bears repeating that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the apex body steering Nigeria’s internal security coordination, has publicly dismissed similar allegations previously made by El-Rufai. ONSA described those claims as unfounded, inaccurate, and disconnected from the realities of national security operations. They emphasised that neither the Federal Government nor any State Government, as a matter of policy or practice, pays ransom to criminal organisations. When the nation’s highest security authority repudiates such assertions, the truth stands unmistakably illuminated.
6. The present Kaduna State Government is driving a community-centred peace and security strategy that has earned commendations from citizens, security agencies, international partners, and civil society. This strategy is anchored on intensive military and intelligence operations; deepened engagement with lawful community leaders; and expanded access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. The initiative addresses the root causes of insecurity: poverty, marginalisation, and historical grievances, without extending legitimacy or resources to criminals. The State engages communities, not bandits.
7. Grassroots security groups, including the Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security and Good Governance, whose communities suffered some of the gravest episodes of banditry during El-Rufai’s tenure, have publicly and courageously refuted his claims, dismissing them as distortions and half-truths. Their lived experience lends their testimony an authenticity far superior to politically convenient narratives.
8. It is equally noteworthy that senior figures from El-Rufai’s own former administration have, in the past, accused him of deploying public funds to placate certain individuals, including bandits and herders. These allegations, which he alone must confront, render his newfound posture of moral outrage deeply paradoxical.
9. Since assuming office, Governor Uba Sani has prioritised the stabilisation of fragile communities. Security agencies now operate with renewed coordination; schools, markets, and farmlands have reopened; and long-fractured communities are rediscovering trust and cooperation. Those who oversaw some of the most turbulent periods of insecurity in Kaduna’s contemporary history should recognise the need for humility and allow the State’s healing process to continue uninterrupted.
10. If former Governor El-Rufai possesses even a fragment of credible evidence; bank documents, internal memos, security briefings, or legally admissible testimony, he is invited to make it public. After his previous unsubstantiated allegations in September 2025, no such proof has materialised. Instead, what has resurfaced is a recycled interview calibrated for renewed public agitation.
11. For disseminating misinformation on a matter as grave as security, El-Rufai owes the people of Kaduna a sincere and unreserved apology. Should he fail to retract his comments and apologise within one week, the State Government will take appropriate legal measures to safeguard public order and institutional integrity.
12. Kaduna State remains unwavering in its commitment to transparent governance, accountable security management, and the protection of every citizen. We will not be derailed by the politics of bitterness, fearmongering, or orchestrated falsehoods.
13. The era of sensational claims without evidence has passed.
    A new era, marked by responsible, principled, and effective security governance, has since begun and taken roots.

Signed:
Hon. (Dr.) Sule Shu’aibu, SAN, FCIPDM, FICEN, MCArb
Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State.

By Sunday Elijah,

Fifty pupils abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri have escaped and returned home, but 253 students and staff remain in captivity, according to school officials.

The mass kidnapping occurred earlier this week when suspected terrorists stormed the school. The 430-strong primary section of the school includes 377 boarders and 53 day students. Following the escape of 50 pupils between Friday and Saturday, 141 primary students were confirmed unharmed. Among those still held are 236 students, three children of staff, 14 secondary students, and 12 staff members.

Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Proprietor of the schools, confirmed the update, saying authorities are working with security agencies and community leaders to secure the release of the remaining hostages.

“The safe return of 50 children is a relief, but our prayers remain with those still in captivity,” Bishop Yohanna said.

The abduction is part of a growing trend of attacks on schools across West Africa, where extremist groups have increasingly targeted educational institutions. Analysts warn that these attacks endanger children, disrupt education, and threaten regional stability.

Security forces are coordinating with government agencies, local leaders, and faith-based organizations to negotiate the release of the remaining students and staff. The incident has drawn attention from African diaspora communities, who are closely monitoring developments and calling for stronger protective measures for schools in high-risk areas.