Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The ongoing debate over security funding in Borno State has intensified following claims by Governor Babagana Zulum that his administration spent ₦100 billion this year to tackle insecurity. Activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has criticized the report, highlighting the lack of audited accounts or transparent documentation to verify the massive expenditure.
Sowore’s remarks focus on the apparent disconnect between the claimed spending and the continued prevalence of violent incidents in the state, particularly those linked to Boko Haram and other armed groups. He argued that without independent verification, it is impossible to determine whether the funds were effectively deployed to protect communities or merely absorbed into bureaucratic channels.
A particularly contentious point in Sowore’s critique is the reported allocation of at least ₦7 billion toward the so-called “rehabilitation” of Boko Haram fighters. According to him, this policy has failed to yield tangible security gains, as attacks and abductions persist across multiple local government areas. Critics assert that such spending, if unmonitored, could inadvertently sustain insecurity by rewarding perpetrators without addressing structural weaknesses in security operations.
Observers note that Borno has consistently been at the center of Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, hosting both military and civilian initiatives aimed at combating insurgency and rehabilitating affected populations. The governor has previously defended the state’s budgetary priorities, emphasizing the logistical challenges and resource intensity of operating in a conflict zone. However, the absence of publicly available audits leaves room for skepticism regarding effectiveness and accountability.
The controversy raises broader questions about the management of security resources in Nigeria’s conflict-affected states. Transparency advocates argue that residents and federal oversight bodies must have access to detailed expenditure reports to ensure that funds meant for public safety genuinely contribute to reducing violence. Without such disclosure, public trust in government initiatives remains fragile.
Similar debates have emerged in other states grappling with insurgency, where substantial allocations for security often coexist with persistent attacks. Borno’s situation illustrates the challenge of balancing operational costs, rehabilitation programs, and tangible security outcomes in conflict zones.
In conclusion, Sowore’s critique underscores the urgent need for transparent accounting and independent audits of security expenditures in Borno State. As the state continues to battle insurgency, citizens and stakeholders are calling for accountability to ensure that every naira spent translates into meaningful protection and lasting peace for affected communities.
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