The Federal Government has increased funding for the prosecution of terrorism cases, setting aside about N1.4 billion in the 2026 budget.
This new allocation is targeted at handling cases linked to Boko Haram and other related offences and it shows a sharp rise compared to what was approved in the previous year.
The provision, captured under the Federal Ministry of Justice, stands at N1.371 billion. This is a significant jump from the N530 million allocated in 2025. The increase reflects a growing focus on tackling terrorism through the legal system.
President Bola Tinubu signed the 2026 Appropriation Bill into law last Friday. The total budget is put at N68.32 trillion.
Out of this, N5.41 trillion has been set aside for defence and security. This accounts for about 7.9 per cent of the entire budget, underlining the government’s continued attention to insecurity.
A closer look at the figures shows that funding for terrorism-related prosecutions rose by about 159 per cent within one year. In 2026, the item is clearly listed as “BOKO HARAM, TERRORISM AND RELATED CASES.” In contrast, the 2025 budget described it more broadly as “MANAGEMENT OF TERRORISM RELATED CASES/ISSUES.”
The new allocation now takes a larger share of the Ministry of Justice’s capital spending. It represents about 14.1 per cent of the ministry’s headquarters capital budget, which stands at N9.725 billion for 2026. This is a clear increase from the 7.9 per cent recorded in 2025.
Overall funding for the ministry’s headquarters has also gone up. In 2025, the total allocation was N19.861 billion. For 2026, it increased to N23.685 billion. This shows a rise of about N3.825 billion, or roughly 19.3 per cent.
The budget breakdown reveals higher spending on overheads and capital projects. While personnel costs dropped slightly, capital expenditure saw a notable increase. Key projects include renovation of office buildings, handling of international legal cases, and reforms in the justice system.
The rise in funding for terrorism trials suggests a shift in government priorities. It may also point to an increase in the number of cases being handled. Legal experts believe the cost of prosecuting such cases has also grown due to their complexity.
Earlier, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), called on the judiciary to speed up trials involving serious crimes. He stressed that cases linked to terrorism, kidnapping, and human trafficking must be handled without delay.
“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 maintained that quicker trials would strengthen justice delivery and support national security efforts.
Recent court activities show progress in ongoing prosecutions. In April 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced five persons convicted of terrorism to various prison terms, including up to 20 years. Another suspect was remanded after pleading not guilty.
The government also confirmed that it had secured 386 convictions out of 508 terrorism-related cases handled in Abuja. According to Fagbemi, eight suspects were discharged, two were acquitted, while 112 cases were adjourned for further hearing.
“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 added that the next phase of the trials has already been scheduled.
“Don’t forget that this is the ninth phase. The 10th phase will come up between the 15th and the 18th of June by God’s special grace,” he added.