31 States Spent ₦252bn on Security in Six Months as Insecurity Persists

Thirty-one states reportedly spent a combined ₦252.26 billion on security-related activities between January and June 2026, based on state budget-performance data. Kogi led with ₦34.67 billion, followed by Plateau with ₦23.69 billion and Bauchi with ₦22.35 billion. The top five states accounted for about 44.8% of the total spending captured. The reported expenditure rose sharply from the comparable 2025 figures, although the comparison is not fully like-for-like because data was available for more states in 2026. Spending covered security votes, homeland-security operations, personnel, equipment, security ministries and trust funds. Yet kidnappings, killings, banditry, terrorism and communal violence have continued in many parts of the country. Security experts and civil society groups say state governments must publish clearer spending plans and measurable results. They argue that governors, police commands and other agencies should be held accountable for whether funds improve intelligence, welfare, response times, equipment and public safety.

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