The Federal Government spent approximately N57.78 billion on security-related projects and operations between January and April 2026, representing a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, even as insecurity continues to affect many parts of the country.
Records from the Open Treasury Portal indicate that the expenditure covered the procurement of defence and security equipment, construction and rehabilitation of military facilities, police infrastructure, and other security-related projects. The amount spent during the four-month period was more than double the figure recorded during the corresponding period last year.
Analysis of the spending data shows that only a small portion of the total security allocation for 2026 had been utilized by the end of April, despite ongoing security challenges across several states.
A large share of the funds was directed toward the acquisition of defence equipment and security hardware, while billions of naira were also allocated to military barracks, police stations, defence facilities, and related infrastructure projects. Additional funds were spent on security services, rehabilitation works, and maintenance of military installations.
However, several key security programmes reportedly recorded little or no expenditure during the period, including some operational and personnel support initiatives that had already received budgetary allocations.
The spending figures come amid continued reports of bandit attacks, kidnappings, homicides, armed robberies, and other violent crimes across different parts of the country. Security reports indicate that dozens of criminal incidents were recorded within a single week, affecting communities in several northern states and beyond.
Some of the reported incidents involved mass abductions, attacks on rural settlements, and kidnappings along major highways, further highlighting the security concerns facing many residents.
Security experts have expressed mixed views on the increased spending. While some argue that the government has committed more resources to strengthening security infrastructure, others believe the impact has not matched the scale of the threat.
Analysts also pointed to challenges such as terrorism, banditry, poverty, corruption, weak border management, and governance issues as factors contributing to the country’s security problems.
According to security observers, military operations alone may not be sufficient to address the crisis without broader efforts aimed at tackling the root causes of insecurity and improving socio-economic conditions.
The latest figures underscore the growing debate over the effectiveness of security spending, as violent attacks continue to occur despite increased government investment in defence and law enforcement operations.
