Despite spending about 32.88 trillion naira on defence over the past 15 years, Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread insecurity raising concerns over the effectiveness of military funding.
Data shows that defence allocations accounted for roughly 12.5 percent of the total national budget within the period. However communities across the country still face insurgency banditry kidnappings communal clashes and oil related violence.
Security reports estimate that more than 100000 Nigerians have lost their lives to violent conflicts since 2012 while millions have been displaced from their homes. In 2026 alone over 1000 deaths were recorded within the first few weeks highlighting the persistence of the crisis.
The National Assembly has intensified scrutiny as lawmakers work to pass the 2026 budget which includes about 5.41 trillion naira for defence and security. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of approving the budget to sustain military operations.
President Bola Tinubu proposed the budget as part of efforts to strengthen security infrastructure and military capacity. Yet lawmakers insist that increased funding must translate into measurable improvements in safety.
Chief of Defence Staff Olufemi Oluyede noted that the armed forces alone cannot address the crisis calling for stronger support for the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to maintain control in recovered areas.
New operations such as Operation Savannah Shield have been launched to tackle violence in affected regions while intelligence partnerships with allied countries are being strengthened.
As budget deliberations continue many Nigerians are questioning whether rising defence spending will finally bring lasting peace and security.
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