Records from the Federal Government's Open Treasury Portal show that of the N20.56 billion budgeted by the Nigerian Army for security equipment purchase in 2025, only N1.46 billion (7.11 percent) was disbursed as of December 31, 2025. For the Nigerian Air Force, only N5.25 billion (33.33 percent) of N15.75 billion budgeted for security equipment was released. Meanwhile, N20.27 billion of N20.74 billion budgeted for the presidential air fleet was released (97.76 percent implementation). This comes as security consulting firm BSIL reported over 2,350 Nigerians killed and 1,117 abducted in the first quarter of 2026 alone.
Key Points
- Soldiers on the front lines face equipment shortages while fighting resurgent terrorist groups.
- Over 2,350 Nigerians killed in Q1 2026 as security funding gaps undermine military effectiveness.
- The presidential air fleet receives near-full funding while army equipment languishes at 7%.
- Non-state actors have restructured and now fight "more fiercely" due to funding gaps.
- Experts warn of drones being procured by criminal groups while military lacks counter-drone systems.
Watch whether the National Assembly investigates the low disbursement rates and if the government prioritises security equipment funding amid worsening violence.
Sources: Daily Post
