A total of N56bn has been allocated as security votes to governors in 14 northern states during the first nine months of 2025 amid increasing violence, including kidnappings and attacks.
Recent incidents include the abduction of 315 students and 13 teachers in Niger State, as well as various attacks in Kano and Kwara States.
Public outcry over the frequent insecurity has led President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a nationwide security emergency and call for the recruitment of 20,000 additional security personnel.
The budget analysis shows these northern states collectively allocated N101bn for security, with Borno State leading disbursements at N32bn.
Other states varied in their releases, raising concerns over potential mismanagement of funds intended for genuine security needs.