The House of Representatives has launched a Security Spending Probe, summoning Service Chiefs and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to provide a detailed account of funds released for military operations. The move follows growing concerns over persistent insecurity across the country despite substantial budgetary allocations to the defence sector.
The resolution was adopted after lawmakers debated motions on the rising incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and attacks on communities, schools, and places of worship, particularly in Nigeria’s North-West region.
Members of the House expressed concern that despite years of increased spending on security operations, criminal groups continue to carry out attacks and mass abductions in several parts of the country. Lawmakers said the situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of security interventions and the management of public funds allocated to the sector.
Leading the debate, Representative Ibe Osonwa of Abia State said the increasing wave of kidnappings and attacks on educational institutions was worsening the country’s out-of-school children crisis.
According to him, many children have been forced out of classrooms due to insecurity, while families continue to face the emotional and social consequences of abductions. Osonwa argued that the government’s security response appeared largely reactive despite significant financial commitments to defence and security operations.
He also reminded the Federal Government of its constitutional responsibility under Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which places the security and welfare of citizens as a primary responsibility of government. The lawmaker further warned that the continued targeting of schools and places of worship suggested that institutions traditionally regarded as safe spaces were increasingly vulnerable to attacks.
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 how appropriated funds have been utilised and what impact the spending has had on security operations. Lawmakers said the hearing would allow Nigerians to better understand the utilisation of security funds and the outcomes achieved through the expenditure.
Contributing to the debate, Representative Sulaiman Gumi of Zamfara State described the security situation in Zamfara and other North-West states as a humanitarian crisis driven by armed banditry, kidnappings, and violent criminal activities. He cited the recent abduction of seven students of Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, as well as the continued captivity of two senior lecturers from the institution despite reported ransom payments.
The House subsequently urged the Minister of Defence to deploy additional troops and operational equipment to Zamfara and other affected states to strengthen ongoing military operations.
The House also called on President Bola Tinubu to implement a comprehensive security strategy aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and securing the release of citizens held captive by kidnappers and bandits. Lawmakers condemned continued attacks on schools, churches, and communities in what they described as the strongest possible terms.
In addition, members advocated non-kinetic measures to address insecurity. They urged the ministries of agriculture, education, environment, and humanitarian affairs to implement programmes targeting socio-economic conditions believed to contribute to criminal activities.
The Security Spending Probe reflects increasing legislative concern over accountability in the management of defence resources. The investigation is expected to examine whether funds allocated to security agencies have translated into measurable improvements in public safety.
The House also directed its committees on defence, national security and intelligence, army, and other relevant committees to monitor implementation of the resolutions and report back within two weeks.
As insecurity continues to challenge communities across Nigeria, lawmakers insist that transparency and accountability must accompany security funding. Through the Security Spending Probe, the House of Representatives says it intends to examine the utilisation of military funds and assess the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism nationwide.
