He claimed that the policy of negotiating and compensating armed groups is a national directive driven by the Office of the National Security Adviser. El-Rufai stated that this approach only empowers and strengthens criminal groups.
"My position has always been that the only repentant bandit is a dead one," El-Rufai declared. "You do not negotiate from a position of weakness. You don't empower your enemy. You don't give him money to go on and buy more sophisticated weapons."
The former governor cited intelligence and media reports to back his claims, including a recent report by SBM showing that the security situation in Kaduna and Zamfara has deteriorated under the current government.
El-Rufai defended his record in Kaduna, noting that his administration created a Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs and worked closely with security chiefs. He insisted that he never paid off criminal groups, unlike the current government.
The former governor, who has faced criticism over his political affiliations and controversies in Kaduna, said he remains unapologetic about his stance. "Even if it is my son or my father who is president or governor and he's not doing the right thing, I lose the right to disagree or criticise?" El-Rufai asked.
He reaffirmed his stance that the current government has failed Nigerians on all fronts, including security, economy, and governance.