Nigerian states allocate N214bn for security as insecurity persists across country

• Nigerian states allocated N214bn in their 2025 budgets for local security forces, arms, and equipment to curb rising violence and insecurity across the country
• Despite these efforts, attacks during festive periods, including the deaths of 150 in Plateau (2023) and 47 in Benue (2024), suggest the failure of current security strategies
• Governors and officials stressed the need for local government empowerment, but security challenges, including kidnappings and violent communal attacks, continued to escalate

About 35 Nigerian states have collectively allocated a staggering N214 billion for local security outfits, defence initiatives, and the purchase of arms and equipment in their 2025 budgets. 

Despite these substantial funds aimed at curbing insecurity, the country continues to suffer from widespread violence, with over 367 people killed during festive periods from 2019 to 2025, according to investigations.

The budgets, compiled on the Open States platform, reflect significant efforts to bolster security at the local level, where increasing violence has spurred governors to establish state-controlled security forces. 

These measures, however, have not yielded the expected results. Criminal activity, including kidnapping, robbery, and communal violence, continues to escalate with alarming frequency.

In December 2023, coordinated attacks during the Christmas Eve celebrations in Plateau State resulted in over 150 deaths. Similarly, Christmas Day 2024 saw 47 killed in Benue, while the New Year of 2025 witnessed gunmen murdering 14 churchgoers in Rivers State. 

These tragic incidents, along with the targeting of both Christian and Muslim communities, underscore the persistent vulnerability of Nigerians, despite the financial resources allocated to security.

States like Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, and Edo have earmarked millions for security, with Edo setting aside N849 million and Akwa Ibom allocating N10.1 billion for arms and equipment. 

Ondo State, in particular, dedicated N7.07 billion to security, of which N7.06 billion will go to the operations of the state security outfit, Amotekun. Similarly, Lagos, Rivers, and Kano have allocated large sums for security, with Rivers setting the highest at N39.82 billion.

These funds are seen as essential due to the increasing wave of kidnappings and violent attacks across the country, including a disturbing incident in Edo State last week, where 16 men, believed to be travelling hunters, were brutally murdered.

Despite these efforts, Nigeria remains trapped in a security crisis. The rising death toll and frequent attacks indicate the ineffectiveness of current strategies. 

President Bola Tinubu, speaking at a security conference, stressed that local governments, closer to the people, must be empowered to play a key role in addressing the security challenges, but acknowledged that the degradation of the local government system has hampered progress in tackling national threats.

While substantial budgets have been allocated for security, the persistent violence, particularly during festive periods, suggests that much more needs to be done to protect the Nigerian populace.

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Reactions from fellow students and an indigene suggest that it was not a random death.