The Federal Government has allocated about N1.4 billion for the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, including those linked to Boko Haram, in its 2026 national budget.
The provision, captured under the Federal Ministry of Justice, amounts to N1.371 billion and represents a significant increase compared to the N530 million allocated for similar purposes in 2025.
The development comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law last Friday. The total national budget stands at N68.32 trillion, with N5.41 trillion earmarked for defence and security.
According to the breakdown, funding for terrorism-related prosecutions rose by about 159 per cent year-on-year. The 2026 budget item is specifically listed as “BOKO HARAM, TERRORISM AND RELATED CASES,” compared to the broader description used in 2025, which referred to “management of terrorism related cases/issues.”
The allocation now accounts for about 14.1 per cent of the Ministry of Justice’s headquarters capital budget of N9.725 billion for 2026, up from 7.9 per cent in the previous year.
Overall funding for the ministry’s headquarters also increased from N19.861 billion in 2025 to N23.685 billion in 2026, representing an additional N3.825 billion or about 19.3 per cent.
A review of the budget shows higher spending on capital projects and overheads, including office renovations, international legal matters, and justice sector reforms. Personnel costs, however, recorded a slight decline.
The increased allocation reflects the government’s continued emphasis on prosecuting terrorism cases through the justice system. Legal experts have also linked the rise in funding to the complexity and growing number of such cases.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has previously urged the judiciary to accelerate the handling of serious criminal cases, including terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking.
He said, “At this solemn juncture in our national life, it is also impossible to ignore the grave challenge of insecurity that confronts our country. From insurgency and terrorism to banditry, kidnapping and violent crimes, these threats imperil not only the safety of our citizens but also the very fabric of our constitutional democracy.
“The judiciary, as the guardian of justice and the custodian of the rule of law, must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity through firm, consistent and courageous adjudication. The courts can ensure that those who threaten peace and stability are held accountable, that impunity is dismantled, and that the sanctity of human life and property is protected.”
He added that faster trials would improve justice delivery and support national security efforts.
Recent prosecution updates show continued progress. In April 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced five individuals convicted of terrorism offences to prison terms of up to 20 years, while another suspect was remanded after pleading not guilty.
The government also reported that out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled in Abuja, 386 convictions were secured. According to Fagbemi, eight suspects were discharged, two were acquitted, and 112 cases remain pending.
“In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of these 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions. Eight discharges, two acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next session or phase,” he said.
He further noted that the next phase of trials has already been scheduled, with the 10th phase expected between June 15 and June 18.
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