Nigeria’s National Civil Society Council (NCSCN) has condemned former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai over comments accusing the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, of paying ransoms to insurgents and bandits.
In a strongly worded statement in Abuja on Tuesday, NCSCN’s Executive Director, Ambassador Blessing Akinlosotu, said the allegations were “vindictive and irresponsible,” warning that El-Rufai had 72 hours to provide proof or apologise.
“El-Rufai’s remarks sound more like those of a political detractor bent on mischief than a statesman,” Akinlosotu said. “Without concrete evidence, such claims undermine national security efforts and cause needless public distrust.”
He added that failure to substantiate the accusations would see El-Rufai blacklisted by the organisation.
The NCSCN reaffirmed its opposition to ransom payments to armed groups but defended the use of non-kinetic strategies, including dialogue, to complement military operations. It called on the ONSA to strengthen collaboration with civil society and to establish a dedicated civil engagement unit within its structure.
“Any nation that claims to rely solely on force, without some form of dialogue in addressing terrorism, is being unrealistic,” Akinlosotu said, urging Nigerians to prioritise collective security over political rivalries.
