By Peter Omopo
2nd September 2025
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to provide evidence supporting his claim that the Federal Government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), pays ransom to bandits—or issue a public apology within 72 hours.
El-Rufai had alleged that the NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, was overseeing a policy of ransom payments and inducements to insurgents under the guise of a non-kinetic approach to insecurity.
Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, NCSCN’s Executive Director, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, described the allegation as “unguarded, volatile, and vindictive,” stressing that it was unbecoming of a leader of El-Rufai’s status.
“The public allegations made by El-Rufai, without authoritative facts and figures to back his claims, is most unfortunate and unexpected from a high-profile leader of his calibre,” Akinlosotu said. “He should, as a matter of urgency and responsibility, come out boldly with evidence or render an unreserved apology. Failure to do so will result in his blacklisting by the Council.”
The civil society group reaffirmed its opposition to ransom payments but defended the adoption of non-kinetic strategies as a complement to military action in tackling insecurity. It also urged Nigerians to prioritise national security over personal or political interests.
Akinlosotu further called on ONSA to work more closely with civil society groups by creating a Non-Kinetic Civil Space Engagement Unit to improve communication and collaboration across security formations.
The NCSCN insisted that El-Rufai’s claims could undermine ongoing counter-terrorism efforts if left unchecked, while also emphasising that Nigeria must embrace a balanced strategy combining both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in combating terrorism.
