Security analyst Bulama Bukarti has strongly rejected former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s recent claims that the Federal Government is complicit in worsening insecurity by paying ransom and supplying bandits terrorizing Nigeria. In an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, El-Rufai accused the government of empowering bandits through monthly allowances and soft policies described as “kiss-the-bandits.” He alleged that this approach was deliberately allowing insecurity to persist.
However, during his weekly live program, Bukarti dismissed these allegations as “politics without any element of truth.” He emphasized that there is no law or government policy that permits direct funding or support to criminal gangs. Bukarti clarified that ransom payments often reported in the media are usually forcibly collected by criminals from victims’ families or communities, not government handouts.
The analyst pointed out that Nigeria’s persistent insecurity is rooted in deeper systemic challenges like corruption, which he identified as the “biggest enabler of terrorist activities.” He urged that sustainable solutions require cohesive efforts among citizens, government institutions, and security agencies with a shared commitment to eradicating corruption.
Bukarti also addressed military operational command, explaining that only the President of Nigeria has the constitutional authority to direct military action. Other officials including governors, ministers, and even the National Security Adviser do not hold such unilateral powers. The military command runs from the President, through the Chief of Army Staff, down to field commanders on the ground.
The expert further warned against making unsubstantiated accusations against sitting presidents, noting that similar claims have been made against past administrations without evidence.
This rebuttal contributes to ongoing debates on Nigeria’s security situation, highlighting contrasting perspectives between political figures and security experts on the causes and solutions to the nation’s insecurity.
More than news- Its Icegate