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N1tn spent to fight insecurity in six months – Report

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

This development came amidst reports of poor funding by the government to MDAs.

Recently, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, admitted that the government had yet to begin implementation of the capital component of the 2024 national budget.

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She said the decision to continue with the implementation of the 2023 budget was taken after consultation with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu.

However, the situation may impair the government’s January-December budget cycle, vis-à-vis its national development plan 2021-2025.

A breakdown of the data revealed that the Ministry of Finance topped the list with the highest allocation of N4.96tn, a 36.94 per cent disbursement rate of its N13.43tn appropriation leaving a balance of N8.47tn.

The increase in allocation for the finance ministry is likely due to its salary payment duties.

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This was followed by the defence ministry with a payment of N1.03tn. This means a disbursement rate of 42.80 per cent from its appropriation of N2.41tn and a balance of N1.38tn.

The education ministry got funding of N600.25bn indicating a 29.52 per cent disbursement rate from its total allocation of N2.03tn while the police affairs ministry received an allocation of N424.13bn in six months, representing 42.17 per cent disbursement rate from its appropriation of N1.01tn.

On economic spending, the document stated that the government spent N1.28tn on defence and security, N859.9bn on economic affairs, N314.5bn in the health sector, N784.37bn in the education sector, and N103.5bn on social protection within the review period.

Other sectors including general public services got N5.42tn, public order and safety got N764.98bn, environmental protection (N11.67bn), housing and communities (N175.49bn) and recreation, culture and religion got (N31.79bn).

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Speaking on the insecurity issue, a security consultant and Fellow of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, Chigozie Ubani, said there was a critical need for a comprehensive approach to national security.

He noted that despite repeated recommendations to the Federal Government, current efforts were ineffective.

Ubani lamented the cycle of arrests, detentions, and subsequent bail of suspects without addressing the underlying social and economic factors contributing to insecurity.

“We are running a reactionary police system. When it happens, we then move. We arrest people, detain them, and later bail them. The other day, we charged them to court. It’s just reactionary.

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What we’ve not done is to look at the social and economic angles to security. We might be lucky, but if not, we might have a bloody situation, because people are hungry. This is one of our major problems,” he stated.

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UNN Dismisses Report Of Mass Abduction Of Students

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The management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), has dismissed a social media report alleging an impending terrorist attack and mass abduction of students on its Nsukka campus, describing the claim as false and unverified.

The university said there is no credible security intelligence or verified threat supporting the online post currently circulating among students and members of the public.

In a statement issued by the acting public relations officer of the institution, Inya Agha Egwu, the management said the report is unsubstantiated and should be disregarded.

Egwu, however, said the university has taken precautionary measures to further strengthen security across the campus in line with its commitment to the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

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According to him, the measures include the deployment of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army to key entry points, working alongside the university’s internal security unit.

He added that some access gates to the Nsukka campus would be temporarily closed to improve monitoring and control of movement in and out of the institution.

The statement also announced the suspension of motorcycle operations within the campus, adding that only authorised security personnel would be allowed to use motorcycles inside the university premises.

Staff who commute using motorcycles were advised to park them at designated areas outside the campus before proceeding to their workplaces.

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Egwu urged members of the university community to remain calm and continue their normal academic and administrative activities without fear.

He also warned against the spread of unverified information, noting that such reports could create unnecessary panic and disrupt the peace of the institution.

“Members of the University community are urged not to spread unverified information capable of creating unnecessary anxiety,” he said.

The university further encouraged students and staff to report any suspicious activity to security authorities, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.

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Sowore Faults MTN CEO’s Claim On Unlimited Data, Threatens Nationwide Protest

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Activist and African Action Congress (AAC) 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has challenged claims by the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, that unlimited mobile data plans are virtually non-existent globally unless subscribers pay extremely high fees.

Sowore, in a post on his X handle on Sunday, described the MTN boss’s assertion as false, insisting that millions of consumers across the world have access to unlimited or effectively unlimited mobile and broadband data plans at prices he said are more affordable relative to local incomes than what Nigerians currently pay.

The activist’s reaction came after Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled: “Data on Trial” held in Lagos where the MTN chief argued that unlimited data plans are not sustainable on mobile networks without compromising service quality.

“The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever. There are high bundles and fair usage policies,” Toriola said.

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He added that network capacity constraints make unrestricted data offerings impractical at low prices.

“On mobile networks, it does not really exist. There is a limit, because you can never build enough capacity for everyone to be on an unlimited bundle and you think you will provide quality service that will be decent,” he said.

Responding, Sowore dismissed the claim, insisting it does not reflect global market realities.

“Liars,” Sowore wrote.

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He argued that many countries still provide consumers with unlimited or near-unlimited data plans at relatively affordable rates compared to income levels.

“Millions of consumers around the world enjoy truly unlimited or effectively unlimited broadband and mobile data plans at prices that are often cheaper, relative to income, than what Nigerians pay for far less service,” he said.

Sowore also criticised the quality and cost of telecommunications services in Nigeria, calling for improved consumer outcomes.

“Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses,” he wrote.

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He further escalated his position, hinting at possible mass action against the telecom operator.

“The time to #OCCUPYMTN nationwide is fast approaching!” he added.

The exchange comes amid renewed public debate over telecommunications pricing in Nigeria following tariff adjustments approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Earlier in 2025, the regulator approved increases of up to 50 per cent in voice, SMS, and data tariffs, citing inflationary pressures, naira depreciation, and the need to sustain investment in the sector.

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MTN Nigeria has defended the adjustments, maintaining that Nigeria remains among the cheapest markets globally for mobile data services despite the increases.

However, critics, including Sowore, argue that consumers in several countries continue to enjoy better service quality and more affordable unlimited data offerings, intensifying the debate across social media platforms.

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Only authorised agencies can enforce laws, Ramaphosa condemns Xenophobia

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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his government’s commitment to lawful migration management, stressing that violence, intimidation, xenophobia and the spread of misinformation have no place in the country.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, Ramaphosa outlined actions and behaviours that he said are unacceptable, including unauthorised individuals demanding documentation or proof of nationality, blocking access to public services, and acts of violence against foreign nationals.

The President also condemned racism, sexism, xenophobia, Afrophobia and other forms of intolerance, as well as the spread of misinformation, incitement and fake news on social media.

According to Ramaphosa, employers who exploit undocumented workers are equally engaging in conduct that cannot be accepted.

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“Only authorised law enforcement agencies may act against violations of the law,” the President said, adding that “all people must be treated with dignity and respect,” regardless of their nationality or immigration status.

Ramaphosa also announced the adoption of a Comprehensive Approach for Migration Management aimed at strengthening border security, enforcing immigration laws, tackling corruption and closing policy loopholes as part of efforts to address illegal immigration in South Africa.

The President said the plan was approved by Cabinet last week and endorsed by the President’s Coordinating Council, which comprises premiers, local government representatives and traditional leaders.

“As government our objective is clear. We want a South Africa where every person who enters the country does so lawfully; a South Africa where immigration laws are respected and enforced; a South Africa where businesses compete fairly; a South Africa where communities feel safe and secure, and a South Africa that remains true to its constitutional values and its commitment to human dignity,” he said.

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According to Ramaphosa, the strategy is built on five pillars: cracking down on violations of immigration and labour laws, preventing illegal entry into the country, rooting out corruption in the immigration system, strengthening immigration laws and policies, and enhancing cooperation with other countries to address migration challenges across the region and continent.

On enforcement, the President said government agencies would intensify efforts to identify and deport undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.

“The Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies have been and will intensify the process of identifying and deporting undocumented foreign nationals residing illegally in South Africa,” he said.

Highlighting progress already made, Ramaphosa disclosed that “in the past year alone, the BMA managed to intercept and stop over 450,000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally.”

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He also announced plans to establish dedicated immigration courts to accelerate deportation processes involving undocumented migrants.

The President said the second pillar of the strategy focuses on strengthening border management and ensuring authorities know who enters the country, why they are entering and how long they are permitted to stay.

“Secure borders are not a sign of hostility towards other countries. They are a fundamental requirement of a sovereign and well-governed State,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that government would continue investing in modern technology, infrastructure and personnel to secure borders while facilitating legitimate trade, travel and economic activity.

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As part of the measures, the government will begin a phased relocation of refugee reception centres to border posts, starting with the Tshwane centre later this year.

Ramaphosa said the third pillar centres on eliminating corruption and improving the efficiency of the immigration system through technology-driven reforms.

“We are continuing the crackdown on corruption and inefficiencies in the Department of Home Affairs.

“We must recognise that illegal immigration is often enabled by corruption. Officials who sell documents, facilitate unlawful entry or abuse public office for personal gain betray the trust of the South African people. We will pursue these cases relentlessly.”

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According to the President, officials implicated in such offences are already facing disciplinary and criminal action.

“Those responsible are facing dismissal, criminal prosecution and the full consequences of the law,” he said.

Ramaphosa also cited the establishment of an Intelligent Population Register containing biometric data for every person in the country, describing it as a key step towards the introduction of a Digital ID system.

He said efforts to phase out the green ID book would continue, noting that the document remains vulnerable to identity theft and abuse.

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The Department of Home Affairs, he said, would soon announce a deadline after which the green ID book would no longer be recognised.

The President further revealed that the move would help curb abuse of the Traffic Registration Number, which foreign nationals require to register or purchase vehicles.

“The Department of Transport will issue new regulations to align with the identification laws of our country within the next three months,” he said.

Addressing legislative reforms, Ramaphosa acknowledged weaknesses in South Africa’s immigration framework.

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“The laws that regulate immigration in South Africa are fragmented and often contradictory. They allow legal loopholes that are exploited by undocumented migrants. We are addressing these loopholes,” he said.

On regional cooperation, the President stressed the need for African countries to work together to tackle the root causes of migration.

“We need to address the factors that drive migration on our continent and elsewhere,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that South Africa would continue collaborating with neighbouring countries and other African nations to create conditions where migration is driven by choice rather than necessity.

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“As part of this effort, I will be sending envoys to a number of sister African countries to outline the measures that we are announcing this evening,” he said.

Ramaphosa assured citizens that Cabinet would continue monitoring implementation of the migration strategy and regularly review progress on the measures announced.

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