Thirty-five states across Nigeria have allocated a staggering N214 billion in their 2025 budgets for local security outfits, defense initiatives, and the procurement of arms and equipment.
The PUNCH reported that despite this massive investment, insecurity persists, with at least 367 individuals losing their lives during festive celebrations between 2019 and 2025.
The state budget details, sourced from Open States, a BudgIT-backed platform that tracks government spending, reveal a strong financial commitment to tackling insecurity.
However, the effectiveness of these measures remains questionable as communities continue to grapple with violent attacks, kidnappings, and criminal activities.
While security is primarily the responsibility of the Federal Government, the escalating wave of violence has prompted many state governors to implement their own strategies to curb criminality. Unfortunately, these efforts have yet to produce significant results, as criminals continue to operate with impunity.
In recent months, multiple attacks have devastated communities across the country.
Just last month, 30 people were reportedly killed in a series of violent incidents spanning Ondo, Benue, and Nasarawa. In Ondo State, nine surveyors were abducted, while two other residents were kidnapped, and four individuals suffered severe injuries in Edo.
Outraged by the continued insecurity, women in Akure staged protests following the abduction of the surveyors and the murder of villagers in Akure North LGA. Reports indicate that armed assailants wreaked havoc in communities such as Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, leaving at least 14 dead and possibly up to 20 victims.
Benue State was similarly affected, as violent demonstrations erupted in Naka after suspected herders ambushed and killed three members of the state’s Civil Protection Guards.
Meanwhile, a communal clash in Nasarawa’s Farin Dutse community escalated into a deadly confrontation, resulting in seven fatalities, including a pregnant woman. The dispute, which originated between local farmers and herders, quickly spiraled out of control, leading to widespread destruction of homes, shops, and vehicles.
Authorities have since arrested two suspects in connection with the violence and increased patrol efforts.
Elsewhere, the recent killing of 16 men believed to be traveling hunters in Uromi, Edo State, ignited national outrage and fears of retaliatory violence.
At least 14 suspects have been detained in connection with the brutal attack.
A deeper look into the security situation reveals alarming figures: in the first quarter of 2025 alone, 2,819 abduction cases were recorded, leading to 3,190 fatalities and 1,123 injuries across 428 out of 774 local government areas.
State budget breakdowns highlight extensive spending on security. Abia State earmarked N554.58 million for security equipment and arms, while Adamawa set aside N3.82 billion. Akwa-Ibom allocated N10.1 billion for arms procurement, Edo committed N849 million, and Anambra designated N2.73 billion for its security needs.
Other notable allocations include Bauchi (N889.71 million), Bayelsa (N10.187 billion), Benue (N1.46 billion), and Enugu, which led the Southeast with a security budget of N11.41 billion. In the North, Gombe dedicated N725.05 million to security, while Kebbi topped the region with N21.81 billion. Ogun State, in the Southwest, allocated N4.81 billion, with a significant portion (N1.79 billion) going to Amotekun.
At a security conference, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of strong governance at the state level in addressing security challenges.
He stated, “Sadly, the state of our local government system in Nigeria is a cause of concern, as its degradation and incapacitation have continued significantly and have contributed significantly to our developmental setback and our inability to effectively address the prevailing national security threat.”
Tinubu stressed that Local Governments should serve as the frontline defenders against insecurity, advocating for community policing as a potential solution.
The impact of insecurity is especially evident during festive periods, with targeted attacks on both Christian and Muslim communities claiming over 367 lives since 2019. Plateau State witnessed the deadliest single incident in December 2023, when over 150 people were killed in coordinated Christmas Eve attacks.
The following year, on December 25, 2024, 47 individuals were murdered in Benue. A few days earlier, on December 22, armed assailants killed 15 people in Riyom LGA, Plateau State.
Christian worshippers have been frequent targets. In January 2025, at least 14 churchgoers in Rivers State were murdered as they returned from midnight services. That same month, three Christians were killed in a late-night attack in Bokkos, Plateau State. Notably, in December 2020, Boko Haram militants executed a brutal Christmas Eve attack on Chibok village in Borno, leaving 11 dead and seven kidnapped.
Although attacks on Muslim communities during festive periods are less frequent, they have also faced violence. In August 2019, 75 Shiite members were killed during Ashura processions in Sokoto, Kaduna, Gombe, and Katsina.
More recently, on March 27, 2025, a mob in Uromi, Edo State, murdered 16 hunters who were traveling to Kano for Eid celebrations.
Despite substantial financial commitments by state governments, insecurity remains a significant concern across Nigeria. As the nation grapples with rising violence, there is an urgent need for a reassessment of security strategies to ensure that these investments yield tangible results in safeguarding lives and property.
