‘No mercy for bandits’ – Tinubu sets aside N5.41trn for sweeping security overhaul

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced an uncompromising crackdown on violent criminal groups, earmarking N5.41 trillion for Defence and Security in the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

While presenting the 2026 budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” to a joint sitting of the National Assembly on Friday, Tinubu disclosed a major reset of Nigeria’s internal security framework.

Central to the shift is a newly introduced National Counter-Terrorism Doctrine, under which all armed non-state actors will be treated uniformly.

“Henceforth, and under this new architecture, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists,” the President said.

Broadening the terror net

Tinubu explained that the redesigned security approach targets bandits, militias, kidnappers, and foreign-linked mercenaries, stressing that the era of selective classifications is over.

According to him, the doctrine is built around a unified command structure and intelligence-led operations aimed at decisively neutralising threats to national stability.

“We will show no mercy to those who commit or support acts of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping for ransom,” he told lawmakers.

He warned that political sponsors and community figures who shield, negotiate with, or enable such groups would face the same designation and consequences.

Funding modernisation and results

The N5.41 trillion security allocation described as the largest single sectoral vote in the proposed N58.18 trillion budget will be channelled into key areas, including:

Armed Forces modernisation: Acquisition of advanced equipment to strengthen operational capacity.

Tech-driven surveillance: Improved border protection and intelligence collection.

Community peacebuilding: Investments in conflict prevention to secure lasting stability.

The President stressed that the unprecedented funding must deliver tangible improvements in public safety. “We will invest in security with clear accountability for outcomes—because security spending must deliver results,” he said.

Security as economic catalyst

Tinubu linked the security push to his administration’s economic agenda, noting that safety is critical to attracting investment and expanding employment.

“Without security, investment will not thrive. Without infrastructure, jobs and enterprises will not scale. This budget is designed to provide a single, coherent programme of national renewal,” he concluded.

The 2026 budget proposal also allocating N3.56 trillion to infrastructure and N3.52 trillion to education has been forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.