PRESS STATEMENT
Date: September 2, 2025
Arewa Revival Project Commends Federal Government and Calls for Inquiry Into El-Rufai’s Role in the Rise of Banditry
The Arewa Revival Project (ARP) aligns fully with the Federal Government in rejecting the false and reckless allegations made by former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, against the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). We consider his statements not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt to mislead Nigerians and discredit the genuine efforts of security agencies.
1. Commendation to Federal Leadership
We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his decisive leadership in tackling insecurity head-on. We equally recognize the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his transparent and strategic coordination of security operations, as well as Senate President, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for his continuous legislative and political support to strengthen our armed forces.
2. El-Rufai’s History Cannot Be Ignored
It is important to remind Nigerians that Mallam El-Rufai’s credibility on matters of national security is questionable. He remains a prime suspect in the escalation of banditry during the 2015 general elections, when insecurity was weaponized as a political tool to weaken the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. Credible reports and statements made at the time linked him to utterances and actions that emboldened violent actors across Northern Nigeria.
3. A Call for Formal Investigation
In light of his recent outburst, the Arewa Revival Project calls for a formal investigation into Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the genesis and spread of banditry. Nigerians deserve answers as to how criminal elements became entrenched during that period, and whether political figures deliberately enabled them for electoral advantage. Such an inquiry is necessary for historical accountability and for ensuring that such sabotage against the Nigerian people never occurs again.
4. Tangible Security Progress Under Tinubu
Unlike the manipulation of insecurity for politics in 2015, the Tinubu administration has shown concrete results. Notorious criminal kingpins including Boderi, Baleri, Sani Yellow, Janburos, Buhari, and Boka have been neutralized, while key communities in Kaduna, Zamfara, and Niger States are regaining stability. This is proof of the Federal Government’s sincerity in addressing insecurity.
5. Unity, Not Division
We urge all Nigerians, especially leaders, to support the government’s comprehensive security strategy instead of amplifying divisive rhetoric. At a time when sacrifices are being made by our security forces daily, false accusations amount to a betrayal of both the Nigerian people and the memories of our fallen heroes.
Conclusion
The Arewa Revival Project proudly stands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, for their leadership and courage in restoring peace and security across Nigeria. We further insist that Mallam El-Rufai must be held to account for his suspected role in fueling the insecurity that destabilized Nigeria before and during the 2015 elections. The era of playing politics with bloodshed is over.
Signed:
Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim
Project Coordinator
Arewa Revival Project (ARP)
