FG Raises N500bn Emergency Security Fund Against Bandits

FG Raises N500bn Emergency Security Fund Against Bandits

The Federal Government has set aside about N500bn from May 2026 federation revenue for an emergency security intervention as authorities battle rising attacks across different parts of Nigeria.

Sources familiar with FAAC proceedings said the deduction was made before revenue was shared among the Federal Government, states and local councils, with state finance commissioners reportedly aware of the move.

Official allocation records showed that N250bn was earmarked for a Military Intervention Fund, while N252bn was allocated for an Infrastructure Development Fund to states.

Another N450bn was moved to the Non-Oil Excess Revenue Account. Despite the deductions, FAAC distributed N2.3tn to the three tiers of government from May revenue, slightly higher than the amount shared in the previous month.

The development comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with banditry, kidnappings, insurgency, communal violence and attacks on critical infrastructure.

Analysts said the fund could strengthen military operations, intelligence gathering and security deployments if managed properly.

Economists welcomed the initiative but urged the government to ensure openness in how the money is spent.

Meanwhile, the Department of State Services backed plans for a dedicated security trust fund but opposed foreign contributions, warning that external funding could expose sensitive operations to outside influence.

The agency also called for stronger funding mechanisms and institutional reforms, while the Nigeria Police confirmed that newly deployed Deputy Inspectors-General had resumed duties across the six geopolitical zones to improve security coordination.