The Federal Government has earmarked N1.371bn in the 2026 appropriation bill for the prosecution of Boko Haram, terrorism and related cases under the Federal Ministry of Justice, representing a sharp increase from the N530m approved for similar cases in 2025.

The PUNCH observed that the 2026 provision was drawn from the Appropriation Bill (Details), as the Budget Office of the Federation had yet to release the detailed breakdown of the 2026 budget recently signed by President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu, on Friday, signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law, approving a total budget of N68.32tn for the fiscal year.

The budget includes N5.41tn for defence and security, reflecting the government’s continued focus on tackling insecurity.

Analysis shows that the security allocation represents about 7.9 per cent of the total N68.32tn budget.

The spending plan also prioritises capital investment, with about half of the budget directed towards infrastructure and development projects.

A comparison of the two fiscal documents for 2025 and 2026 shows that the allocation for the prosecution of terrorists rose by about 159 per cent year-on-year.

In the 2026 proposal, the line item is listed as “BOKO HARAM, TERRORISM AND RELATED CASES” with a provision of N1.371bn, while in the 2025 Appropriation Act, it appeared as “MANAGEMENT OF TERRORISM RELATED CASES/ISSUES” with an allocation of N530m.

Further analysis shows that the terrorism-related provision is taking a larger share of the ministry’s capital spending.

The N1.371bn proposed for 2026 accounts for about 14.1 per cent of the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters’ total capital expenditure of N9.725bn.

In contrast, the N530m approved in 2025 represented about 7.9 per cent of the headquarters’ capital budget of N6.750bn.

The overall budget for the ministry’s headquarters also increased within the period.

In 2025, the Federal Ministry of Justice headquarters had a total allocation of N19.861bn, comprising N5.611bn for personnel, N7.500bn for overhead, and N6.750bn for capital expenditure.

In the 2026 proposal, the headquarters allocation rose to N23.685bn, with N3.461bn for personnel, N10.500bn for overhead, and N9.725bn for capital spending.

This indicates an increase of about N3.825bn, or roughly 19.3 per cent, in the headquarters’ total budget year-on-year.

A closer look at the capital expenditure components shows that the terrorism-related allocation ranks among the major spending items at the headquarters level in 2026.

Other significant provisions include funding for the repair and renovation of the ministry’s headquarters building and Lagos zonal office, execution of international cases, liability management, and reforms in the criminal justice sector.

The upward revision suggests a shift in priority toward handling terrorism-related prosecutions, which may reflect increasing caseloads, rising operational costs, or the complexity of ongoing trials linked to insurgency and related offences.

Earlier in December 2025, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the judiciary to expedite hearings in cases involving terrorism, human trafficking, kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing that the judiciary must support national efforts to combat insecurity.

During the ceremony marking the commencement of the Court of Appeal 2025/2026 Legal Year, Fagbemi said, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is also impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country. From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.

“The judiciary, as the guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law, must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity through firm, consistent and courageous adjudication. The courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”

He stressed that the judiciary is more effective when terrorism cases are swiftly heard.

Earlier in April 2026, The PUNCH reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced five terrorism convicts to various jail terms, including 20 years imprisonment.

The court also remanded another suspect who pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges, as the Federal Government began a fresh phase in the mass trial of 500 suspects.

The PUNCH also recently reported that the Federal Government said it secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.

Fagbemi (SAN) disclosed this to journalists at the conclusion of the ninth phase of the mass trials.

The AGF added that eight defendants were discharged, two acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned to the next phase of proceedings.

“In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of these 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions. Eight discharges, two acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next session or phase,” he said.

Fagbemi noted that the next phase of the trial had already been scheduled.

“Don’t forget that this is the ninth phase. The 10th phase will come up between the 15th and the 18th of June by God’s special grace,” he added.

The trial began on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, and ended on Friday, April 10, 2026.

Experts’ reaction

Reacting, a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Wilson Inalegwu, and security analyst, Chidi Omeje, have called for a more coordinated and transparent approach to terrorism prosecution in Nigeria.

They stressed the need for speedy trials, improved prison security, and better utilisation of funds allocated to the justice system.

Inalegwu said the government must demonstrate seriousness in prosecuting suspected terrorists, warning that delays or weak processes could worsen insecurity.

“I think the government must be serious about the prosecution of these terrorists. Anyone apprehended should be taken to court,” he said, adding that the justice process should not be limited to senior legal practitioners alone.

According to him, the fight against terrorism required a “multifaceted and multilayered” strategy involving the police, judiciary, and correctional services working in sync.

The retired police chief also raised concerns about the state of custodial centres, warning that weak infrastructure could lead to prison breaks and further security threats.

“Even if you prosecute and jail them, there is a need to intensify security at correctional centres. Otherwise, they could be broken into, making the situation more dangerous,” he said.

He urged the government to ensure that funds earmarked for terrorism prosecution are not limited to legal processes but also channelled into strengthening correctional facilities and security agencies.

“There is a need to monitor how this huge amount is allocated and spent. It shouldn’t become a windfall for some individuals,” he added.

On his part, Omeje emphasised the importance of transparency in the allocation of funds for prosecuting terrorism cases, noting that while such spending is necessary, accountability remains key.

“I’m not seeing the breakdown of the amount, so I may not be able to condemn or justify it. But justice is something that must be handled carefully,” he said.

He stressed the urgency of prosecuting suspects, warning that prolonged detention posed risks, including possible prison attacks or escapes.

“We want to see these suspects tried quickly. Keeping them for long in custodial facilities is a risk because of the possibility of prison breaks or attacks,” he said.

Omeje added that while he could not fault the expenditure without details, investing in the justice process is critical to addressing terrorism and ensuring accountability. (The PUNCH)

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