31 States Spend ₦252bn on Security in First Half of 2026 Amid Persistent Insecurity
At least 31 state governments across Nigeria spent an estimated ₦252.26 billion on security-related activities between January and June 2026, highlighting the growing financial burden placed on state authorities as they respond to criminality and other security challenges.
The figure, reported from an analysis of state fiscal performance data, covers expenditure recorded during the first two quarters of 2026. The spending comes against the backdrop of continuing concerns over kidnapping, banditry, violent attacks and other forms of insecurity in different parts of the country.
According to the analysis, Kogi State recorded the highest security-related expenditure at about ₦34.67 billion, followed by Plateau State with approximately ₦23.69 billion and Bauchi State with about ₦22.35 billion. Collectively, the three states accounted for roughly ₦80.7 billion of the amount captured in the six-month assessment.
The figures underline the extent to which security has become a major component of state government spending. Beyond direct security operations, such expenditure can include logistics, support for security agencies and other measures designed to strengthen the capacity of authorities to protect residents and communities.
However, the level of spending also raises broader questions about the effectiveness, transparency and measurable impact of security-related expenditure. With insecurity still affecting communities in different parts of Nigeria, there is increasing importance in ensuring that public funds allocated for security translate into improved protection of lives, property and livelihoods.
Security remains a shared responsibility involving federal and state authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities. As states continue to commit substantial resources to the challenge, sustained coordination, accountability and evidence-based security planning will be important in determining whether increased expenditure produces better security outcomes for residents.
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