President Bola Tinubu has signalled an uncompromising stance against insecurity, allocating a unprecedented N5.41 trillion to defence and security in the 2026 budget while announcing that all armed non-state actors will now be classified and treated as terrorists.
Delivering the N58.18 trillion Appropriation Bill themed “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity” to a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday, Tinubu outlined a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s internal security framework through a new National Counter-Terrorism Doctrine.
Under this policy shift, the President declared that the government will no longer distinguish between different forms of armed criminality.
“Henceforth, any armed group or gun-wielding non-state actors operating outside state authority will be regarded as terrorists,” he stated, explicitly naming bandits, militias, kidnappers, violent cult groups, forest-based armed collectives and foreign-linked mercenaries.
The doctrine extends beyond direct perpetrators to include financiers, ransom facilitators, arms suppliers, political protectors and even community or religious leaders who aid or negotiate on behalf of such groups.
“We will show no mercy to those who commit or support acts of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping for ransom,” Tinubu emphasised.
The N5.41 trillion allocation the highest single sectoral provision in the budget will fund extensive modernisation of the Armed Forces, including acquisition of advanced equipment, enhanced technology-driven surveillance and strengthened border security. It also includes investments in community-based peacebuilding initiatives to prevent conflicts and foster long-term stability.
Tinubu stressed the need for accountability, noting that such substantial spending must yield tangible improvements in public safety.
“We will invest in security with clear accountability for outcomes because security spending must deliver results,” he told lawmakers.
The President linked robust security to broader economic objectives, arguing that investor confidence and job creation depend on a safe environment.
“Without security, investment will not thrive. Without infrastructure, jobs and enterprises will not scale,” he said, positioning the security push as foundational to national renewal.
This record funding comes amid persistent challenges from banditry, kidnapping and insurgency in various regions, which have hampered agricultural productivity, displaced communities and deterred foreign investment. The unified approach aims to streamline command structures and leverage intelligence for more effective operations.
As the National Assembly begins deliberations on the budget proposal which also allocates N3.56 trillion to infrastructure and N3.52 trillion to education the security provisions underscore the administration’s priority to restore peace and enable sustainable growth.
