A recent budget implementation report reveals that the Nigerian Federal Government has allocated N1 trillion in the first six months of 2024 to combat insecurity and terrorism.
This amount accounts for 42.80% of the total N2.41 trillion budgeted for security, leaving N1.38 trillion unspent.
Despite this significant investment, Nigeria continues to face severe security issues. From January to July 2024, at least 5,801 Nigerians were killed, and 4,348 were abducted in various attacks, according to Punch.
The violence has impacted 574 Local Government Areas nationwide, with the following breakdown of fatalities and abductions by geopolitical zones:
– North-East: 2,223 deaths and 614 kidnappings across 88 councils.
– North-West: 2,023 deaths and 2,607 abductions in 125 councils.
– North-Central: 1,102 deaths and 847 kidnappings in 96 councils.
– South-West: 434 deaths and 93 abductions in 106 councils.
– South-South: 275 deaths and 145 abductions in 81 councils.
– South-East: 358 deaths and 42 abductions in 78 councils.
The ongoing threats of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping have significantly hindered Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.
Despite efforts to improve security with advanced equipment and increased funding, insurgent activities and the frequency of attacks remain high.
