El-Rufai Bandit Allegation must be proven or retracted within 72 hours, NCSCN warns, following his claim that the NSA pays bandits in anti-terror efforts
The controversy began when El-Rufai alleged that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), headed by Malam Nuhu Ribadu, was facilitating ransom payments and inducements to bandits, disguised as part of a non-kinetic strategy against terrorism.
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Describing the statement as unfounded and inflammatory, NCSCN’s Executive Director, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, addressed journalists in Abuja, calling El-Rufai’s comments “unguarded, volatile, and politically vindictive.”
“The public allegations made by El-Rufai, without authoritative facts and figures, are unfortunate and unexpected from a high-profile leader,” Akinlosotu said.
He emphasized that NCSCN will blacklist El-Rufai if he fails to substantiate his accusation or apologise to the National Security Adviser and Nigeria’s entire security architecture within the stipulated time.
“El-Rufai should, in the next 72 hours, come out boldly with evidence or render an unreserved apology,” he warned.
While reiterating support for non-kinetic counter-terrorism measures, Akinlosotu added that global counter-insurgency practices include negotiation strategies, especially where human lives are involved.
“No nation fights terrorism purely by force without dialogue. To claim otherwise is either denial or hypocrisy,” he added.
The Council also called on the ONSA to improve transparency by working with civil society groups through a proposed Non-Kinetic Civil Space Engagement Unit, with representatives stationed across security formations nationwide.
“We must combine both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle insecurity,” Akinlosotu stressed.
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The statement concludes amid rising tensions around Nigeria’s security policies and increasing political crossfire between past and present public officials.
