Former Kaduna State Governor El-Rufai faces criticism for claims of government payments to bandits.

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has faced criticism and accusations from various officials and groups over his claims that the government pays bandits for peace. The Birnin-Gwari Vanguard for Security denied these claims, stating the peace process was community-driven. El-Rufai's former political adviser and a former senator criticized his leadership style and policies, accusing him of division and arrogance. The Kaduna State Government accused El-Rufai of plotting to destabilize the state for political gains, while El-Rufai countered that the government is politicizing security issues. The Office of the National Security Adviser dismissed El-Rufai's claims as baseless.