The Federal Government disbursed N2.75tn to the military and other security agencies in 2026, accounting for more than half of the N5.15tn released under its special intervention programme since November 2023.
The latest figures, obtained from documents presented to the Technical Sub-Committee of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), showed that the government had released N5.15tn out of N5.65tn received into the dedicated intervention account as of October 14, 2026.
The disbursements represent 91.15 per cent of the total receipts, leaving an outstanding balance of N500bn.
The records, contained in a document titled ‘Ledger of Special Intervention Programme for Nigerian Military September 2026’, were prepared by the Federation Account Department of the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
According to The PUNCH, An analysis of the transactions showed that the intervention programme began with monthly allocations of N100bn in November 2023, a funding pattern that continued through 2024 and much of 2025.
Between November 2023 and September 2025, the government disbursed N2.4tn under the programme, including N1.2tn in 2024.
However, funding increased significantly in 2026, with individual transfers rising to between N200bn and N500bn.
The government received N3.25tn into the account in 2026 as of October 14, while N2.75tn was disbursed to the military and paramilitary agencies.
The N2.75tn released during the period represented 53.40 per cent of the total N5.15tn disbursed since the programme began.
Some of the major transactions included a N500bn transfer and corresponding payment to security agencies on June 16, another N500bn transfer and payment in July, and a further N500bn disbursement in August.
In September, the government transferred N500bn on September 16 and released the corresponding amount on September 23.
Another N500bn was transferred on October 14, but the ledger did not record a corresponding payment, accounting for the outstanding balance.
The funding was sourced from the Federation Account, non-oil revenue and transfers from the FAAC withholding account.
The intervention funds were separate from regular annual budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Defence and other security institutions.
However, the documents did not provide details of the military operations, equipment purchases, personnel expenses or specific security projects financed with the money.
The increased spending comes amid persistent insecurity, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across several parts of the country.
While troops continue operations against Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-East, armed attacks and mass abductions remain major concerns in parts of the North-West and North-Central regions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has commenced a review of the 2019 National Security Strategy to develop a new framework for tackling emerging threats.
The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, disclosed this on Thursday during the inauguration of a committee to review the existing framework and formulate the National Security Strategy 2026.
Represented by Major General Sarkin Bello (retd.), Ribadu said Nigeria's security environment had changed considerably since the last review, requiring a reassessment of national priorities.
“Our national security landscape is undergoing rapid and profound transformations. Since the last review of our strategy in 2019, the domestic, regional and global security environments have changed dramatically,” he said.
He identified terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, cyber threats, misinformation, economic challenges, food insecurity and environmental problems as threats requiring a broader response.
“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,” Ribadu said.
He said the new strategy would provide a framework for coordinating national security, resilience and sustainable development while addressing current and emerging threats.
The committee's Deputy Chairman, Major General Evi Onumajuru (retd.), said the changing nature of security threats made a strategic realignment necessary.
He added that the new framework would integrate economic prosperity, good governance, human security and national defence.
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