The Northern Alternative Forum (NAF) has rejected allegations that the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is involved in paying ransoms or negotiating with bandits.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle in Abuja, NAF chairman Mallam Gidado Ibrahim urged security agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the claims.
He said those making the accusations should provide concrete evidence instead of spreading baseless stories.
Ibrahim described the allegations as part of a smear campaign against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his NSA, accusing opposition politicians of trying to discredit the government as the 2027 elections approach.
“These claims are not only false but also aimed at distracting Nigerians from the progress being made in security and economic reforms,” he said.
He praised Ribadu for achieving significant results in strengthening national security and called on Nigerians to support his efforts instead of believing what he described as “opposition tantrums.”
Ibrahim also accused opposition leaders of hypocrisy, saying many of them had opportunities to industrialize Nigeria since 1999 but failed due to poor decisions and tribal politics.
He blamed past administrations for the collapse of key industries, such as sugar and textiles, and said current criticisms are coming from the same people responsible for the country’s economic problems.
“Rather than spreading lies, they should go back to their communities and see how President Tinubu’s reforms are improving lives,” he added.
