Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria — The federal government of Nigeria released ₦2.3 trillion (about $1.53 billion) in special intervention funding to the military and paramilitary agencies between October 2023 and September 2025, according to official allocation records. The disbursements were made in response to persistent security challenges affecting several regions of the country.
Documents from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which oversees revenue distribution among Nigeria’s three tiers of government, showed the funds were paid in 23 equal tranches of ₦100 billion (about $66 million) each. The records indicated that the intervention operated as a transit account, with each incoming tranche immediately transferred out to security agencies.
The first phase of the programme covered allocations from September 2023 to June 2024, totalling ₦1 trillion (about $660 million). A second phase between July 2024 and April 2025 also amounted to ₦1 trillion (about $660 million). A third phase added another ₦300 billion (about $198 million), bringing the total intervention funding to ₦2.3 trillion (about $1.53 billion).
Okay News reports that the documents did not specify how the funds were shared among the armed forces or detail the operations financed. However, the steady pattern of disbursements shows the programme became a major financing channel outside regular statutory allocations.
Additional records revealed that the federal government of Nigeria also allocated ₦450 billion (about $300 million) in non-regular allowances to the armed forces over three months in 2025. The payments were drawn from non-oil revenues and released in three tranches of ₦150 billion (about $100 million) each.
Another entry showed ₦40 billion (about $26 million) was released in September 2025 through the Office of the National Security Adviser for security operations.
Despite the scale of funding, insecurity remains a major concern. A February 2026 Business Expectations Survey by the Central Bank of Nigeria ranked insecurity as the most significant constraint to business operations, ahead of taxes and power supply.
Recent attacks in Plateau State in central Nigeria and Kaduna State in northwestern Nigeria intensified public concern. In Plateau, gunmen attacked residents of Angwan Rukuba in Jos North Local Government Area, prompting the Plateau State Government to impose a 48-hour curfew. The University of Jos also postponed examinations due to the security situation.
Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang condemned the killings, saying, “This is a painful moment for all of us. Angwan Rukuba is a community that accommodates people from diverse ethnic backgrounds across Plateau State. Therefore, this is not the pain of a few, it is the pain of all of us.”
In Kaduna State, suspected bandits attacked a wedding gathering in Kahir community in Kagarko Local Government Area, leaving several people dead and others abducted. Residents said the attackers opened fire on guests, causing panic and casualties.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), an umbrella body representing Christian churches in the country, also condemned the violence. Its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said, “Palm Sunday is meant to be a day of peace, of hope, of reflection. Instead, it became a day of bloodshed.”
Security agencies said investigations were ongoing while authorities pledged stronger measures. The continued attacks, however, have renewed debate over the effectiveness of large-scale security spending and what further steps may be required to protect lives and property across Nigeria.
