By Paul Joseph
The Federal Government has earmarked N1.371 billion in the 2026 Appropriation Act for the prosecution of terrorism-related cases, including those linked to Boko Haram, under the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The allocation represents a significant increase from the N530 million approved for similar purposes in 2025, an estimated 159 per cent rise highlighting intensified efforts to address terrorism through the judicial system.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed the 2026 budget into law, with a total expenditure of N68.32 trillion. Of this, N5.41 trillion about 7.9 per cent is dedicated to defence and security, while a substantial portion is directed toward infrastructure and development projects.
Budget details show that the 2026 provision is specifically tagged “Boko Haram, Terrorism and Related Cases,” marking a shift from the 2025 classification, which was listed as “Management of Terrorism Related Cases/Issues.”
The N1.371 billion allocation accounts for approximately 14.1 per cent of the Ministry of Justice headquarters’ capital expenditure of N9.725 billion in 2026, compared to 7.9 per cent in 2025 when the capital budget stood at N6.75 billion.
Overall, the ministry’s headquarters budget rose from N19.861 billion in 2025 to N23.685 billion in 2026 an increase of about N3.825 billion or 19.3 per cent.
The 2026 budget breakdown includes N3.461 billion for personnel, N10.5 billion for overhead costs, and N9.725 billion for capital projects.
Other key capital allocations cover headquarters and Lagos office renovations, handling of international cases, liability management, and ongoing criminal justice reforms.
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, underscored the importance of strengthening the legal response to insecurity.
“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,” he said.
“The judiciary must lend its weight to national efforts to combat insecurity through firm, consistent and courageous adjudication.”
Recent reports indicate that hundreds of terrorism-related cases are currently progressing through the courts. In one phase of mass trials held between April 7 and 10, 2026, authorities recorded 386 convictions out of 508 cases, with others either discharged, acquitted, or adjourned.
The next phase of hearings is scheduled for June 15 to 18, as the government continues its push to strengthen accountability and dismantle terror networks through the justice system.
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