Nigeria, Sept. 1 -- In a television interview on Sunday, El-Rufai alleged that the ONSA coordinates such payments. ONSA described the allegation as false and baseless, stressing that neither it nor any government agency under the present administration has ever paid ransom or rewarded criminals.

Instead, ONSA reminded Nigerians that the government has consistently warned against paying ransom.

It noted that the administration's strategy combines military operations with community engagement to address local concerns.

According to ONSA statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Monday, this approach has restored relative peace to previously troubled areas in Kaduna, including Igabi, Birnin Gwari, and Giwa.

It also highlighted recent s...