The Federal Government has earmarked N1.371 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the prosecution of Boko Haram and other terrorism-related cases, marking a significant increase from the N530 million allocated in 2025.
The provision, captured under the Federal Ministry of Justice, reflects a 159 per cent year-on-year rise, underscoring the government’s renewed focus on strengthening the prosecution of terrorism offences.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed the N68.32 trillion 2026 budget into law, with N5.41 trillion—about 7.9 per cent of the total—dedicated to defence and security as part of efforts to tackle persistent insecurity across the country.
A breakdown of the justice ministry’s budget shows that the N1.371 billion allocation for terrorism-related prosecutions accounts for about 14.1 per cent of its headquarters’ capital expenditure of N9.725 billion. This is a notable increase from 2025, when N530 million represented 7.9 per cent of the ministry’s N6.75 billion capital budget.
Overall, the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters’ budget rose from N19.86 billion in 2025 to N23.69 billion in 2026, reflecting a 19.3 per cent increase. The new allocation includes N3.46 billion for personnel, N10.5 billion for overhead costs, and N9.73 billion for capital projects.
The increased funding for terrorism prosecutions is among the largest capital items in the ministry’s 2026 spending plan, alongside provisions for infrastructure upgrades, international case management, liability settlements, and criminal justice reforms.
Legal and security experts say the upward review may be driven by the growing number of terrorism cases, rising operational costs, and the complexity of ongoing trials linked to insurgency and violent crimes.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had earlier called for faster adjudication of terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking cases, urging the judiciary to support national security efforts through timely and decisive rulings.
Recent data from the Federal High Court in Abuja indicates that the government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases, with additional trials ongoing as part of a phased prosecution process involving hundreds of suspects.
However, stakeholders have called for greater transparency and accountability in the use of funds allocated to terrorism prosecutions. Security analyst Chidi Omeje and retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Wilson Inalegwu emphasised the need for coordinated efforts across the justice system, improved custodial security, and strict monitoring of spending.
They warned that while increased funding is necessary, weak oversight or delays in the judicial process could undermine the fight against terrorism.
The government’s expanded allocation signals a strategic shift towards intensifying legal action against terrorism, even as calls grow for efficiency, transparency, and stronger institutional coordination in tackling insecurity.
