Kaduna Police fire back at El-Rufai over shocking ‘kidnapping gang’ allegation

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Kaduna State Police Command has hit back at former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, dismissing his explosive claim that the force harbours a “kidnapping gang” allegedly responsible for the abduction of his former Commissioner, Jafaru Sani.

In a strongly worded statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, described El-Rufai’s allegation—made via his X handle—as baseless, misleading, and inflammatory.

“The attention of the command has been drawn to Malam Nasir El-Rufai’s statement in which he accused Governor Uba Sani’s so-called ‘kidnapping gang’—referring to the police—of abducting his former Commissioner,” Hassan stated.

He refuted the claims outright, stating: “Let it be clear: there is no ‘kidnapping gang’ within the Nigerian Police Force. The police is a constitutionally established institution, mandated by law to maintain order and uphold justice.”

Hassan further clarified that Sani’s remand was a legal process, not an act of abduction, stressing that law enforcement agencies have the constitutional authority to arrest and investigate any individual suspected of committing an offence.

“Formal complaints can be lodged by individuals, organisations, and the government. The police are duty-bound to investigate such matters and, where necessary, prosecute offenders or refer cases to the courts,” he explained.

Sending a stern warning to public figures, Hassan urged “those who once held positions of power to refrain from reckless and baseless accusations against security agencies.”

“Unverified allegations mislead the public and erode confidence in law enforcement. If anyone feels aggrieved, the appropriate avenue is legal redress—not sensational accusations that inflame public tension,” he warned.

The police command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, calling on citizens to support the force in its duty rather than peddle allegations that could destabilise the state.