ABUJA — The House of Representatives on Thursday inaugurated an ad hoc committee to investigate all security intervention funds disbursed by the Federal Government from 2020 to date, citing persistent insecurity despite substantial allocations.
Hon. Zakaria Nyampa, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee on Expenditure of All Intervention Funds in the Security Sector, said the probe is driven by the “glaring disconnect” between budgetary outlays and on-ground realities.
“This is not a witch-hunt,” Nyampa stressed during the committee’s launch at the National Assembly. “Our duty is to verify that every kobo released for security serves its sacred purpose: safeguarding Nigerian lives and property.”
The inquiry will scrutinise special intervention funds, procurement contracts, and expenditure patterns across the armed forces, police, Office of the National Security Adviser, and other agencies. Effectiveness in curbing banditry, insurgency, and other threats will also be assessed.
Nyampa pledged collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, EFCC, ICPC, and civil society groups including BudgIT, CISLAC, and SERAP to ensure transparency.
“Diverted security funds cost more than money—they cost lives,” he warned. “Our findings will drive reforms and restore public confidence.”
Speaker Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Deputy Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, hailed the initiative as proof of the House’s “unwavering commitment to accountable governance.” He urged the committee to uphold fairness, diligence, and legislative integrity.
The probe comes amid renewed scrutiny of Nigeria’s security spending, with lawmakers under pressure to address escalating violence in the North-West, North-East, and other regions.
