31 STATES SPEND ₦252BN ON SECURITY IN SIX MONTHS

At least 31 Nigerian states spent an estimated ₦252.26 billion on security-related activities in the first six months of 2026, despite continued concerns over killings, kidnappings, and other security challenges across the country.

An analysis of state budget performance reports from January to June 2026 showed that Kogi, Plateau, and Bauchi recorded the highest security expenditure among the states covered.

Kogi led the list with ₦34.67 billion, representing 13.74 per cent of the total expenditure captured in the analysis. Plateau followed with ₦23.69 billion, while Bauchi spent ₦22.35 billion.

The figures were obtained from budget performance data published on Open Nigerian States, a platform backed by BudgIT that provides information on state government finances.

The spending highlights the growing financial burden insecurity places on state governments, many of which continue to allocate significant resources to security operations, logistics, personnel support, and related activities.

Despite the expenditure, several parts of the country continue to face security challenges, including attacks, kidnappings, and banditry.

Security experts have called for greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, community-based security, inter-agency coordination, and preventive measures rather than relying solely on increased spending.

They also stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in the use of security funds, particularly where large sums are allocated without clear public details on how the money is spent.

Analysts said effective security spending should translate into measurable improvements in the protection of lives and property.

They urged state governments to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and local communities to ensure that resources allocated to security produce better outcomes.

The figures underline the scale of resources being committed by subnational governments to address insecurity and the continuing challenge of turning increased spending into lasting improvements in public safety.