Nigeria records over 50 bandit attacks in one week- Police report

Nigeria witnessed a fresh wave of insecurity last week as security agencies documented no fewer than 98 criminal incidents across the country, including bandit attacks, kidnappings, homicides, armed robberies and terrorism-related activities.

The development comes despite the Federal Government’s expenditure of N57.78 billion on security projects and operations between January and April 2026.

Official records obtained from the Open Treasury Portal indicate that security spending during the first four months of the year rose significantly compared to the same period in 2025. The amount represents an increase of nearly 128 per cent from the N25.35 billion spent during the corresponding period last year.

The funds were allocated to various security-related projects, including defence equipment procurement, military infrastructure, police facilities, security equipment acquisition and routine security operations.

However, the increased spending has done little to stem the growing tide of violence across several parts of the country, prompting renewed concerns over the effectiveness of current security strategies.

Only fraction of security budget utilised

An analysis of budget implementation showed that only N57.78 billion had been spent out of the N4.66 trillion earmarked for security in the 2026 budget as of April, representing just 1.24 per cent utilisation.

A breakdown of the expenditure revealed that N21.39 billion was spent on defence equipment procurement, making it the largest security-related expense during the period.

Another N14.16 billion was allocated to security equipment, while N5.84 billion went into the construction of military barracks.

 Police stations and barracks received N5.17 billion, while N3.26 billion was spent on rehabilitating defence equipment.

Additional allocations included N2.39 billion for defence facilities, N2.16 billion for military barracks repairs, N3 billion for security services and N320.94 million disbursed as security votes.

Despite the spending, some key security programmes reportedly received no funding. Notably, no expenditure was recorded under the military operations budget line designated for “Operation Lafiya Dole and Other Operations of the Armed Forces,” despite a N500 million provision in the budget.

Similarly, funds had yet to be released for the kitting of military personnel, even though N2.53 billion was allocated for the programme.

Police report reveals alarming crime statistics

A recent police security report painted a grim picture of the country’s security situation, documenting 98 criminal incidents nationwide within seven days.

The report recorded 37 homicide cases, 27 banditry attacks, 24 kidnapping incidents, eight armed robberies and two terrorism-related attacks.

Many of the incidents occurred in states heavily affected by insecurity, including Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara and Kebbi, where criminal gangs continued attacks on communities and travellers.

One of the most shocking incidents involved the abduction of 39 residents in Zamfara State. The victims were reportedly kidnapped after entering the Fadama Forest to negotiate peace with a notorious bandit leader identified as Jimo Smally.

In Katsina State, armed bandits reportedly blocked the Katsina-Kankara highway and intercepted a commercial vehicle carrying 11 passengers. Security operatives later rescued nine of the victims, while two others remained unaccounted for.

Growing concerns over banditry, insecurity

The latest figures highlight the widening gap between security spending and security outcomes in Nigeria. While government expenditure on defence and security has increased substantially, violent attacks, kidnappings and bandit activities continue to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country.

With a significant portion of the security budget yet to be utilised and criminal incidents remaining widespread, pressure is mounting on authorities to deliver more effective solutions to the nation’s persistent security crisis.

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