The House of Representatives has launched a Security Spending Probe, summoning the Service Chiefs and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to provide a detailed account of funds allocated and released for military operations amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria.
The resolution followed debates on motions addressing the increasing wave of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on communities, schools, and places of worship, particularly in the North-West region.
Lawmakers expressed concern that despite significant budgetary allocations to defence and security agencies over the years, criminal groups continue to carry out attacks and mass abductions across several states. The House said the Security Spending Probe was necessary to assess the effectiveness of public funds committed to security operations and determine why insecurity remains a major national challenge.
Leading the debate, Representative Ibe Osonwa (LP, Abia) raised concerns about the growing number of kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions, warning that the trend was worsening Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis. He argued that despite substantial public spending, the country’s security response appeared largely reactive and insufficient. Osonwa cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which places responsibility on the government to protect the lives and property of citizens.
He noted that attacks on schools had disrupted education in many communities, while families continued to deal with the trauma of kidnappings and insecurity. The lawmaker also expressed concern over the increasing targeting of schools and places of worship by criminal groups, warning that locations traditionally regarded as safe havens had become vulnerable to attacks.
Contributing to the debate, Representative Sulaiman Gumi (APC, Zamfara) described the security situation in Zamfara and parts of the North-West as a humanitarian crisis driven by armed banditry and kidnappings. He cited the recent abduction of seven students of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, as well as the continued captivity of two senior lecturers despite reported ransom payments.
As part of the Security Spending Probe, the House resolved to invite the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff, other security chiefs, and the Minister of Finance to explain the amount of money appropriated and released for security operations and the outcomes achieved. Lawmakers said the appearance would help Nigerians understand how security funds have been utilised and why expected improvements have not materialised.
The House also urged President Bola Tinubu to deploy a more comprehensive security strategy to dismantle criminal hideouts, rescue abducted citizens, and restore safety across affected communities. Members further called on the Minister of Defence to deploy additional troops and operational equipment to Zamfara State and other North-West states facing persistent attacks.
Beyond military measures, lawmakers advocated non-kinetic solutions, urging relevant ministries to implement programmes addressing socio-economic factors contributing to insecurity. The Security Spending Probe also reflects growing legislative demands for greater accountability and transparency within Nigeria’s security architecture.
Following deliberations, the House mandated its committees on defence, national security and intelligence, the army, and other relevant committees to monitor implementation of the resolutions and report back within two weeks. Lawmakers maintained that continued insecurity despite substantial defence allocations raises critical questions about accountability, effectiveness, and the overall management of public funds dedicated to national security.
