7th August 2024
The Federal Government disbursed a total of N1.03tn to boost the fight against insecurity and terrorism between January and June 2024.
In the budget implementation report for the first half of 2024 obtained by our correspondent through Open Treasury, a website that monitors government spending, the amount represents a disbursement rate of 42.80 per cent from its appropriation of N2.41tn and a balance of N1.38tn.
Despite this spending, no fewer than 5,801 Nigerians were killed in terrorist attacks, and 4,348 citizens were abducted in the first seven months of 2024, Findings by The PUNCH showed.
Data sourced from an Indigenous intelligence outfit, Beacon Consulting, revealed that the number of fatalities was recorded during the various attacks witnessed in 574 Local Government Areas across the country.
A breakdown, according to geopolitical zones, showed that 2,223 persons were killed in the North-East, representing 33 per cent of the total incidents, in which 1,609 individuals were killed and 614 kidnapped in 88 Local Government councils.
In the North-West, 125 councils recorded attacks leading to the death of 2,023 individuals while 2,607 were abducted.
No fewer than 96 councils recorded incidents in the North-Central region out of which 1,102 residents lost their lives and 847 were kidnapped.
South-West recorded attacks in 106 councils which led to the death of 434 individuals and 93 were abducted. Also, 275 persons were killed and 145 abducted in 81 councils of the South-South.
While, in the South-East, 358 fatalities and 42 abductions were reported across 78 Local Government Areas
Insecurity has severely hindered socio-economic development in Nigeria, impacting various aspects of life throughout the country. The widespread threat of violence and crime arises from multiple sources, transcending from terrorism into banditry, cattle rustling, and kidnapping for ransom.
Despite the government’s promise to tackle the menace by investing in advanced attack machinery, insurgents continue to operate with relative ease. Although the number of attacks and casualties has decreased, the persistent threats highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving comprehensive security.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government disbursed N9.53tn to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies as budgetary allocations in the first six months of the 2024 budget year.
The figure indicates a 24 per cent disbursement rate from the total appropriation of N38.83tn leaving a balance of N29.3tn.
The funds were disbursed to over 500 MDAs between January and June 2024 for its operations and infrastructure development in the country, according to data obtained and analysed by our correspondent using Open Treasury, a website that monitors government spending.
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