Governor Uba Sani Denies Paying Bandits, Labels El-Rufai’s Claims as Political Mischief

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has rejected allegations that his administration pays bandits, describing such claims as “political mischief.”

Speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Sani responded to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s accusation that both the Federal Government and Kaduna State government were funding armed groups under the guise of a “non-kinetic” security approach. El-Rufai had alleged that authorities adopted a “kiss-the-bandits policy,” involving monthly stipends and food supplies for criminal gangs.

Sani, however, faulted the claim, insisting that his government has never offered financial incentives to criminals. According to him, the “Kaduna model” relies on empowerment, addressing root causes, and building community trust—without rewarding bandits. He explained that insecurity in the North-West is economically motivated, unlike the ideologically driven insurgency in the North-East.

The governor stressed that the initiative, driven by religious and traditional leaders, complements military operations by strengthening rural governance, restoring livelihoods, and improving security in areas like Birnin Gwari. He accused some politicians of exploiting insecurity for partisan purposes, adding: “We have not paid one naira to anybody.”

The Office of the National Security Adviser also dismissed El-Rufai’s allegations as “false and insulting,” maintaining that no government has approved ransom payments or incentives for armed groups. El-Rufai, however, has stood by his remarks, accusing both ONSA and the Kaduna government of politicising security matters.