FG disburses ₦5.15tn for military operations

The Federal Government has disbursed ₦5.15 trillion to the Nigerian military and related security agencies to tackle ongoing security challenges across the country.

The special intervention funds are separate from the regular annual budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Defence and other security institutions.

The releases span a period between November 2023 and September 2026.
Documents from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) reveal that the government transferred a total of ₦5.65 trillion into a dedicated special intervention account. Out of this sum, 91.15 per cent was released through 30 payment transactions to finance joint operations, equipment, and security logistics.

The funds were drawn from the Federation Account, non-oil revenue, and a FAAC withholding account. In 2026 alone, ₦2.75 trillion was disbursed to military and paramilitary agencies, accounting for over half of the total expenditure since the programme began.

Despite the heavy financial injection, troops continue to battle Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East. Banditry and mass kidnappings also persist across communities in the North-West and North-Central regions.

In a related development, the Federal Government has commenced a review of the 2019 National Security Strategy. The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, inaugurated a committee in Abuja on Thursday to formulate the new National Security Strategy 2026. Represented by Major General Sarkin Bello (retd.), the NSA stated that the domestic and global security environments have changed dramatically, requiring a reassessment of Nigeria’s security priorities.

“As you are aware, these problems range from terrorism, banditry and kidnapping to sophisticated cyber threats, misinformation, economic problems, food insecurity and environmental challenges, among others.”

The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Major General Evi Onumajuru (retd.), revealed that traditional security challenges have become intertwined with non-kinetic threats. He reiterated that the new strategy will integrate the priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda by linking economic prosperity with human security and national defence.