Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has leveled serious accusations against the Federal Government, claiming its policies are emboldening bandits and perpetuating Nigeria’s insecurity crisis.
On August 31, 2025, Nasir El-Rufai, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, accused the Federal Government of implementing policies that inadvertently empower bandits, exacerbating Nigeria’s security challenges. The former governor, known for his outspoken critiques, argued that the government’s approach, including its reluctance to decisively confront criminal elements, has allowed banditry to thrive, particularly in northern states like Kaduna. El-Rufai pointed to past negotiations with bandits, such as those advocated by figures like Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, as misguided strategies that embolden criminals rather than curb violence. He emphasized that the lack of a robust, coordinated response has left communities vulnerable, with bandit attacks and kidnappings persisting across the region.
The former governor’s tenure in Kaduna saw controversial measures, like military operations against bandits, which he defended as necessary but insufficient without federal backing. He criticized the current administration’s handling of security, suggesting that systemic failures, including inadequate intelligence and resource allocation to security forces, have hindered progress. El-Rufai called for a reevaluation of strategies, urging the government to prioritize decisive action over dialogue with criminals.
The accusations have sparked intense debate. Some view El-Rufai’s critique as a call for accountability, given his experience tackling banditry in Kaduna, while others see it as a politically motivated attack, noting his ongoing tensions with President Bola Tinubu’s administration since his 2023 ministerial nomination fallout. The remarks align with broader concerns about Nigeria’s security architecture, with banditry and terrorism disrupting livelihoods and displacing thousands. The government has yet to respond directly, but recent efforts, like the deployment of additional troops to hotspot areas, suggest an ongoing struggle to address the crisis.
El-Rufai’s comments test the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity, a persistent challenge that undermines Nigeria’s stability. The accusations highlight the need for a unified strategy, with some advocating for community-based security initiatives, while others demand stronger federal intervention. As Nigeria grapples with rising violence, El-Rufai’s voice adds urgency to the debate, pressing the government to act decisively. The nation watches to see if these criticisms will spur meaningful reforms or deepen political divides, with the security of millions hanging in the balance.