By Our Correspondent
National News – The Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked N1.371bn in the 2026 budget to prosecute terrorism-related cases, particularly those involving Boko Haram.
The allocation, approved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s N68.32tn appropriation, aims to strengthen the judicial process against insurgency.
The funding will be managed by the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, addressing growing caseloads, rising legal costs, and the complexity of terrorism trials.
This move reflects the government’s intensified efforts to curb insecurity and ensure swift justice through coordinated prosecution.
The provision marks a sharp rise from N530m allocated in 2025, representing a 159 per cent increase year-on-year.
The funds account for 14.1 per cent of the ministry’s N9.725bn capital expenditure in 2026, compared to 7.9 per cent in the previous year.
Officials say the increase responds to expanding terrorism cases and the need for more efficient legal processes.
The government has also prioritised defence and security with N5.41tn, about 7.9 per cent of the total budget, underscoring its commitment to tackling threats nationwide.
Authorities disclosed that the trials, conducted mainly at the Federal High Court in Abuja, have already recorded progress.
In April 2026, several suspects were sentenced, including five convicts who received up to 20 years imprisonment.
The government confirmed that 386 convictions were secured out of 508 terrorism-related cases, while others remain pending for future hearings.
The next phase of trials is scheduled for mid-June 2026.
Attorney-General Lateef Fagbemi has urged the judiciary to accelerate hearings, stressing that timely justice is crucial in combating terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes.
Security experts, however, called for transparency in fund utilisation and stronger coordination among law enforcement agencies.
They also warned that weak correctional facilities could undermine prosecution efforts if not improved alongside legal processes.
