Nigeria's federal government spent N57.78bn on security projects amid rising insecurity
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
The Federal Government of Nigeria spent N57.78 billion on security-related projects and operations in the first four months of 2026, a 127.97 percent increase from the N25.35 billion spent in the same period of 2025. This expenditure occurred despite a worsening security situation, with 98 criminal incidents, including 51 attacks and abductions, recorded nationwide in one week. The spending covered defence equipment procurement, security infrastructure, military barracks, and police facilities. The largest share, N21.39 billion, went to defence equipment procurement. However, only 1.24 percent of the total N4.66 trillion security allocation for 2026 had been utilized by April. No expenditure was recorded for "Operation Lafiya Dole and Other Operations of the Armed Forces" despite a N500 million provision, nor were funds released for kitting Armed Forces personnel, for which N2.53 billion was earmarked. Security analysts Lekan Jackson-Ojo and Chidi Omeje expressed concerns, with Jackson-Ojo describing the situation as the worst insecurity crisis in Nigeria's history and Omeje noting that the military remains overstretched. Omeje also highlighted that military operations alone would not solve the challenges, pointing to root causes such as bad governance, corruption, and pervasive poverty, along with porous borders and regional instability.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Ben Wazabanga, 23, has been convicted of murdering Ayowale Aladejana, a 26-year-old UK-based Nigerian, and is scheduled for sentencing on July 13 at Southwark Crown Court. The UK Metropolitan Police announced the conviction, stating that Wazabanga, from Bedford, murdered Aladejana in New Cross, London, following a dispute over money. Investigators used extensive CCTV footage, phone analysis, and vehicle tracking to establish that Wazabanga deliberately traveled from Bedford to confront Aladejana before fatally stabbing him. Officers were called to a residential address on Monson Road, New Cross, on August 2, 2025, where Aladejana was pronounced dead shortly after emergency responders arrived. A post-mortem examination indicated a stab wound to the chest as the preliminary cause of death. Wazabanga was arrested near Waterloo Bridge after attempting to flee in a vehicle identified through CCTV. Automatic Number Plate Recognition data showed he drove approximately 50 miles to confront Aladejana, and phone records revealed his grievance and plans. Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, the lead investigator, described the killing as a calculated and avoidable act of violence. This case is one of several violent incidents involving Nigerians in the UK, including the 2026 conviction of Benjamin Katabana for murdering Uchenna Okirie and the recent remand of Maxwell Oguanaya and Chibueze Chukwurah in connection with the death of Taiwo Ekerin.
Oluwatobi Oyewo, the youngest of five sons of the late actor, scholar, and cultural icon Kola Oyewo, shared details about his father's final days and the values that shaped his life. Kola Oyewo passed away on a Friday at approximately 6:30 pm at the age of 80. According to Oluwatobi, his father spoke in parables in the days leading up to his death, mentioning that he was "going home" and expressing sadness about leaving his children. He also called out his late wife's name, saying, "Aduke, I am now ready." Kola Oyewo had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate in 2019 and managed it with a successful first surgery. However, his condition deteriorated towards the end of last year. Due to his age, a second surgery was deemed risky, with doctors indicating a 50-50 chance of success. His son noted that Kola Oyewo felt he had fulfilled his life's purpose and was content with his achievements. He was a strong individual who had never spent a night in a hospital before his recent illness and enjoyed driving and traveling extensively with his theatre troupe. Other actors, including Kunle Afod and Toyin Adegbola, showed support during his illness. Oluwatobi highlighted his father's principles of hard work, responsibility, and humility. He expressed pride in his father's legacy and the positive comments received since his passing. Two of Kola Oyewo's sons are involved in the arts: his eldest brother is a Theatre Arts lecturer, and another brother acts in television series. Kola Oyewo'
Edo Queens Football Club clinched their second Nigeria Women Football League title after finishing atop the Super Six tournament in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. They secured the championship with a goalless draw against Bayelsa Queens in their final match, accumulating 10 points from five games. Edo Queens won three matches, drew one, and lost one. Bayelsa Queens also finished with 10 points but placed second due to goal difference. Nasarawa Amazons came in third with eight points, followed by Rivers Angels in fourth. FC Robo and Abia Angels finished fifth and sixth, respectively. Edo Queens coach Moses Aduku praised his players' resilience, noting their strong recovery after an initial defeat. He also thanked the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Enabulele, and the people of the state for their support. Enabulele emphasized that the victory was also about discovering and nurturing talent for the state and thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve.