Godsent Ogbebor
Insecurity: States Allocate N214bn for Security
Despite a collective budgetary allocation of N214 billion for local security outfits and defence initiatives in 2025, Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity, with 367 people killed during festive periods between 2019 and 2025.
The funds, drawn from the budgets of 35 states, were earmarked for the purchase of arms, security equipment, and operational costs.
However, reports indicate that criminal activities, including kidnappings, communal clashes, and terrorist attacks, persist across the country.
Recent attacks in Ondo, Benue, Nasarawa, and Edo states highlight the failure of these security measures, with armed assailants storming villages, abducting surveyors, and ambushing state security personnel.
In Edo, the brutal killing of 16 hunters traveling for Eid celebrations sparked national outrage.
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A breakdown of state budgets shows significant security expenditures: Rivers allocated N39.82bn, Kebbi N21.81bn, and Enugu N11.41bn. Meanwhile, regional security outfits like Amotekun in Ondo and Ogun received N7.06bn and N1.79bn, respectively.
Despite these investments, Nigeria’s security crisis remains dire, with 2,819 abduction incidents and over 3,000 fatalities recorded in the first three months of 2025 alone.
President Bola Tinubu, addressing the issue, emphasized the importance of local governments in tackling insecurity, advocating for community policing as a viable solution.
Meanwhile, with continued attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities during festive seasons, concerns persist over the effectiveness of current security strategies.