Nigeria Faces Surge in Bandit Attacks Amid Security Spending

In the first week of April 2026, Nigeria experienced a surge in criminal activities, with at least 98 incidents reported, including 51 attacks, 27 banditry incidents, and 24 kidnappings. The Federal Government allocated ₦57.78 billion for security-related projects during the first four months of 2026, representing a 127.97% increase from ₦25.35 billion in the same period in 2025.

This expenditure included ₦21.39 billion for defense equipment procurement, ₦14.16 billion for security equipment, and ₦5.84 billion for military barrack construction. Despite this significant spending, the implementation of security projects remains low, with a reported execution rate below three percent.

Security analyst Lekan Jackson Ojo described the current situation as the worst insecurity crisis in Nigeria's history, highlighting the economic impact and the government's perceived inability to address the crisis effectively.