Kwara Committee Seeks Direct Security Funding for LGs

A local security committee in Kwara State has called for a major shift in how security funds are distributed, urging the government to allocate security votes directly to local governments as communities grapple with rising attacks.

The appeal comes amid growing concern over insecurity in parts of Kwara North and Kwara South, where recent incidents have reportedly led to loss of lives and displacement of residents. According to members of the Offa Security Committee, the current funding structure is leaving grassroots responses under-resourced at a time when they are most needed.

Speaking on the issue, retired Air Vice Marshal Abdul-Ganiyu Olabisi said communities are increasingly being forced to take on frontline security roles without the financial backing required to sustain such efforts. He noted that while local vigilance groups have stepped up intelligence gathering and patrol operations, their capacity remains limited.

Olabisi pointed out that communities often act as first responders when attacks occur, making it critical for them to be adequately supported. Without structured funding, he warned, these local initiatives risk collapsing under financial pressure.

In Offa, for instance, the community has established its own security network, funded entirely through private contributions. The arrangement covers operational costs ranging from personnel allowances to logistics such as vehicles, motorcycles, and fuel.

Communities stretched beyond limits

Maintaining such a system, however, is proving increasingly difficult. According to Olabisi, the community spends over ₦10 million monthly on security operations, an expense he described as unsustainable without government intervention.

He argued that channelling security votes directly to local governments would not only ease this burden but also improve response times to threats at the grassroots level. In his view, decentralised funding could strengthen coordination between communities and formal security agencies, while enhancing accountability in how resources are used.

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The committee also raised concerns about the slow pace of broader reforms, particularly discussions around establishing state police. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such a system, Olabisi said it may take years to fully materialise, leaving communities exposed in the meantime.

As an immediate solution, he advocated targeted financial support that would empower local structures already in place. Strengthening these networks, he said, could deter criminal groups by reducing the vulnerabilities they currently exploit.

Beyond funding, the call highlights a deeper challenge in Nigeria’s security framework, how to balance centralised control with local responsiveness. For communities facing frequent threats, the debate is less about structure and more about urgency.

With insecurity continuing to strain rural and semi-urban areas, the committee’s position reflects a growing sentiment that without direct and timely support, grassroots efforts alone may not be enough to hold the line.