The House of Representatives on Thursday commenced an investigation into all security intervention funds disbursed by the Federal Government from 2020 to date, promising to be guided by transparency and accountability in examining how resources allocated for the protection of lives and property have been managed.

The Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Expenditure of All Intervention Funds on Security, Zakaria Nyampa, disclosed this during the inauguration of the committee at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

The Adamawa lawmaker said the probe was necessitated by the widening gap between the huge budgetary allocations to the security sector and the continuing wave of insecurity across the country.

“This is not a witch-hunt. Our duty is to ensure that every naira released for security serves its purpose to safeguard lives and property,” he said.

Nyampa explained that the probe would cover all intervention heads, special allocations, and procurement processes undertaken by beneficiary agencies.

The committee, he added, would also assess the impact of the spending on security outcomes nationwide.

“We are determined to follow the money with diligence, objectivity, and patriotism,” he said.

To ensure credibility and openness, the committee pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office, the Office of the National Security Adviser, defence and police authorities, as well as anti-graft agencies, to expose any shady transactions.

He further noted that the mismanagement of funds meant for security has grave consequences for national stability.

“When money meant to secure our nation is diverted, the cost is not just in naira and kobo—it’s in human lives. We owe it to Nigerians to get this right,” he said, assuring all that the committee’s report would help strengthen security governance and restore public trust.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, reaffirmed the House’s commitment to accountability, probity, and proper utilisation of all security intervention funds.

Abbas, represented by the Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Isiaka, said the creation of the committee demonstrated the House’s unwavering resolve to ensure transparency in matters of national security.

He urged the committee members to uphold accountability, effectiveness, and fairness—values which, he said, are the core principles of the House of Representatives.

The Speaker commended Nyampa for accepting to lead the assignment with integrity and urged the committee to discharge its duties diligently.

Nigeria’s persistent security challenges—including insurgency, banditry, terrorism, and communal conflicts—have compelled successive governments to create special financial mechanisms known as security intervention funds. These funds are designed to provide swift financial responses to security emergencies and to support infrastructure projects that enhance safety nationwide.

The initiative gained prominence as part of federal efforts to complement regular budgetary allocations to security agencies and state governments. In recent years, the Federal Government has disbursed substantial sums to states and the Federal Capital Territory under the Infrastructure and Security Intervention Fund.

Between March 2024 and May 2025 alone, approximately N1.6 trillion was released to states from non-oil revenue savings. The fund was intended to strengthen internal security, improve public infrastructure, and cushion fiscal pressures following the removal of fuel subsidies.

In addition to federal disbursements, state governments also maintain security votes—monthly allocations meant to address state-level security concerns. These funds, however, have long been criticised for lacking transparency and accountability, as their utilisation often falls outside legislative oversight.

Despite the huge financial commitments, there are widespread concerns that the intervention funds have not significantly improved security outcomes.

Observers argue that misuse, poor coordination, and weak monitoring mechanisms have hindered their effectiveness. Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for greater transparency and clearer guidelines to ensure that the funds achieve their intended purpose. (The PUNCH)