Nigeria’s Military Underfunded: Only 7% of Army’s Security Equipment Budget Released
Amid Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, new figures show the Army received just N1.46bn of its N20.56bn allocation for security gear in 2025, a release rate of 7.11%. The Air Force also saw low disbursements, with only 19.04% of its N1.25trn expenditure drawn. Critical defense budgets for equipment, barracks, training and fuel were poorly funded or not released at all. Only N16.71bn of N336.76bn for Army equipment and N5.25bn of N15.75bn for Air Force gear made it to the front lines. Experts warn this funding shortfall undermines operations against insurgents, bandits and kidnappers. A security firm reported over 10,000 deaths in 2025 alone, with fresh casualties and abductions in early 2026. Analysts call for urgent procurement reform, stronger oversight and forward-looking arms acquisitions. They urge the government to prioritise frontline needs, ensure accountability and equip troops with armoured vehicles, drones and secure communications.
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