21 Nigerian states have budgeted over N133 billion for security votes in 2025 amid rising violence.
Critics question the huge spending as killings, kidnappings and insecurity continue across the country.
At least 21 state governments across Nigeria have earmarked about N133 billion for security votes in their 2025 budgets, according to data from second-quarter budget performance reports.
The allocations come against the backdrop of worsening insecurity, including killings, kidnappings, and property destruction in multiple states.
On Sunday night, six people lost their lives after armed men attacked Ikn’gwakap community in Mushere Chiefdom, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Witnesses said the attackers arrived around midnight, opened fire indiscriminately, and set homes ablaze. A statement released Monday by Kutyil Nahum of the Mushere Youth Movement confirmed the incident.
Earlier this month, more than 60 people, including five soldiers, were reportedly killed when Boko Haram fighters stormed Darajamal, a resettled community in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State. The insurgents, riding motorcycles, reportedly invaded the area late at night, shooting residents and burning houses, shops, and vehicles. Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited the site the next day, called the killings “deeply painful” and confirmed the casualty figures.
In August, gunmen also attacked a mosque during dawn prayers in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing at least 32 worshippers.
Despite these persistent security challenges, analysis of official reports shows that 21 states collectively set aside N132.73 billion for security votes. These states include Zamfara, Kano, Katsina, Imo, Kaduna, Adamawa, Kogi, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Lagos, Cross River, Delta, Ondo, Taraba, Jigawa, Kwara, Abia, and Bayelsa.
Borno allocated the highest amount at N32.8 billion, followed by Benue (N15.6 billion), Ondo (N11.5 billion), Delta (N10.6 billion), Adamawa (N8.2 billion), Bauchi (N8 billion), and Zamfara (N8 billion). Others include Kano (N5 billion), Sokoto (N5.5 billion), Nasarawa (N4 billion), Katsina (N4.4 billion), Kogi (N4.3 billion), Bayelsa (N4.8 billion), and Cross River (N3 billion). Imo earmarked N1.58 billion, Kaduna N1.2 billion, Abia N2 billion, Jigawa N807 million, Lagos N596 million, Taraba N503.8 million, and Kwara N350 million.
Security votes are special monthly allocations meant to fund operations such as intelligence gathering, crisis response, and other urgent security needs. Critics, however, say the lack of transparency around these funds makes them prone to misuse.
Jamilu Charanchi, National Coordinator of the Coalition of Northern Groups, questioned the rationale for these funds given the persistent insecurity and poor infrastructure in the North. He argued that despite “massive sums” reportedly spent on security votes, residents still contend with violence, poor health services, failing roads, erratic power supply, and inadequate education.
He added that widespread poverty was worsening insecurity in the region and accused some governors of benefitting from the situation. “If billions are allocated for security and yet people live in fear, lack good roads, reliable electricity, and functional hospitals, then the purpose of those funds must be re-examined,” he said.
