The Federal Government has allocated N1.371 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Bill for prosecuting Boko Haram, terrorism, and related cases under the Federal Ministry of Justice—a sharp rise from the N530 million approved for similar cases in 2025.
This provision, identified in the Appropriation Bill (Details), comes as the Budget Office of the Federation has yet to release the full breakdown of the 2026 budget, which President Bola Tinubu recently signed into law. The 2026 budget totals N68.32 trillion, with N5.41 trillion earmarked for defence and security, underscoring the government’s continued focus on tackling insecurity.
Analysis reveals that the security allocation constitutes about 7.9% of the total budget. Additionally, nearly half of the spending plan is directed toward infrastructure and development projects, signaling an emphasis on capital investment.
A year-on-year comparison shows a 159% increase in the allocation for terrorism-related prosecutions. In the 2026 proposal, the line item “BOKO HARAM, TERRORISM AND RELATED CASES” is budgeted at N1.371 billion, compared to N530 million for “MANAGEMENT OF TERRORISM RELATED CASES/ISSUES” in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
Further analysis shows that terrorism prosecution now accounts for a larger share of the Ministry of Justice’s capital spending. The N1.371 billion proposed for 2026 represents about 14.1% of the ministry headquarters’ total capital expenditure of N9.725 billion. In contrast, the N530 million approved in 2025 made up 7.9% of the previous year’s N6.750 billion capital budget.
The ministry’s total headquarters budget also increased, rising from N19.861 billion in 2025 (personnel: N5.611bn, overhead: N7.5bn, capital: N6.75bn) to N23.685 billion in 2026 (personnel: N3.461bn, overhead: N10.5bn, capital: N9.725bn)—an increase of about N3.825 billion or roughly 19.3%.
Within the capital expenditure, the terrorism-related allocation is among the largest items in 2026, alongside funding for repairs and renovations to ministry buildings, execution of international cases, liability management, and criminal justice sector reforms.
The increased allocation suggests a shift in priorities towards handling terrorism-related prosecutions, likely reflecting a growing caseload, rising operational costs, or the complexity of ongoing insurgency trials.
In December 2025, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called on the judiciary to expedite hearings in cases involving terrorism, human trafficking, kidnapping, and other violent crimes, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in supporting national security efforts. Speaking at the commencement of the Court of Appeal’s 2025/2026 Legal Year, Fagbemi highlighted the challenge of insecurity, urging the courts to ensure accountability and protect the fabric of constitutional democracy through firm and courageous adjudication.
He also noted that swift hearings make the judiciary more effective in the fight against terrorism.
Earlier, in April 2026, it was reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced five terrorism convicts to various jail terms, including one to 20 years imprisonment. Another suspect, who pleaded not guilty, was remanded as the Federal Government began a new phase in the mass trial of 500 suspects.
According to The PUNCH, the government secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases prosecuted at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. Fagbemi disclosed that eight defendants were discharged, two acquitted, and 112 cases adjourned to the next phase. The ninth phase of the mass trials ran from April 7 to April 10, 2026, with the tenth phase scheduled for June 15–18, 2026.
Experts Call for Transparency and Speed
Commenting on these developments, retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Wilson Inalegwu and security analyst Chidi Omeje called for a more coordinated and transparent approach to terrorism prosecution. They stressed the need for speedy trials, stronger prison security, and effective use of allocated funds.
Inalegwu emphasized the importance of prompt prosecution and warned that delays or weak procedures could worsen insecurity. He also highlighted the need for robust correctional facility security to prevent prison breaks and urged that funds earmarked for terrorism prosecution should also strengthen correctional 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, Inalegwu said.
Omeje underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in allocating funds for terrorism prosecutions. While acknowledging the necessity of such spending, he cautioned that prolonged detention of suspects increases the risk of prison attacks or escapes. We want to see these suspects tried quickly. Keeping them for long in custodial facilities is a risk, he said, stressing that investing in the justice process is essential for combating terrorism and ensuring accountability.
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