The Federal Government disbursed ₦5.15 trillion in special intervention funds to the military and security agencies between November 2023 and September 2026 to tackle terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country.
Documents from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) show that the government transferred ₦5.65 trillion into a dedicated account for security operations, spending about 91.15 per cent of the funds through 30 separate transactions.
The intervention funds were sourced from the Federation Account, non-oil revenue and withheld allocations, providing additional financing beyond the regular defence budgets.
The disbursements came as security threats continued to affect communities across the country, particularly in the North-East, North-West and North-Central regions, where attacks have destroyed livelihoods and displaced farming communities.
Security spending increased sharply in 2026
The government initially maintained a monthly disbursement of ₦100 billion throughout 2024.
However, funding increased significantly in 2026, with individual transfers rising to between ₦200 billion and ₦500 billion.
According to the report, the government released ₦2.75 trillion for security operations in 2026 alone. That amount exceeded the combined disbursements made over the preceding two years.
Despite the substantial funding, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping remain major security challenges in several parts of Nigeria.
Government reviews national security strategy
Amid the persistent threats, the Federal Government has begun reviewing the country’s 2019 National Security Strategy.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, inaugurated a specialised committee to develop the National Security Strategy 2026.
The proposed framework is expected to address conventional security threats as well as emerging challenges, including cybercrime, food insecurity and climate change.
Government officials said the revised strategy would link national defence more closely with economic development and human security.
The review is part of efforts to adapt Nigeria’s security framework to changing threats and strengthen the country’s response to insecurity.
