Looting Pattern: Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori To Spend N18 Billion On Security Votes in 2026 Despite Blowing N10.6B In 2025 That is Still Unaccounted For

Secrets Reporters

In an allocation that is nearly double of the previous year, the Delta State government under the leadership of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has cemented plans to spend billions of Naira on security votes in 2026.

According to the 2026 budget which was obtained by SecretsReporters, the Niger-Delta State earmarked a whopping N18 billion for security votes.

Recall that in 2025, the State government, despite failing to curb the rising insecurity, spent a hefty N10.6 billion on security votes. It is not clear how the governor Oborevwori’s government spent the funds since there are no public records accounting for the funds.

It could also be recalled that in October 2025, Oborevwori formally launched the Delta State Security Trust Fund and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a safer, stronger, and more prosperous state through public-private partnership in security management.

The event, held at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Asaba, brought together captains of industries, security chiefs, community leaders, and top government officials, including the Group Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, who chaired the occasion; Zenith Bank Founder and Chairman, Mr. Jim Ovia, CON, who served as Special Guest of Honour; and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo who served as Chief Launcher with a donation of N10 billion.

The chairman of the occasion, Aig-Imoukhuede announced a personal donation of N100 million to the fund on behalf of himself and his wife, Ofure, and expressed optimism that the initiative would mobilise up to N100 billion in 2025.

Analysts note that while security votes are designed to act as a quick-response emergency fund, the lack of transparency in disbursement often leaves citizens in the dark, especially amid rising crime rates in various parts of the state.

Governors, constitutionally described as the “Chief Security Officers” of their states, often channel security votes to support federal security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. This support can take the form of vehicles, allowances, or operational assistance. However, the funds operate largely under executive discretion, with no specific constitutional provision, detailed public audit, or mandatory reporting on spending.

The controversy surrounding security votes has intensified as billions of Naira are spent annually across Nigeria’s 36 states, yet insecurity persists. Banditry continues to ravage the North-West, terrorism lingers in the North-East, and kidnapping has spread nationwide. Civil society organizations have repeatedly called for reforms, questioning whether security votes serve as essential emergency tools or as fiscal black holes shielded from scrutiny while insecurity worsens.

According to an analysis of figures extracted from their approved budget documents, States across Nigeria earmarked a combined N525.23bn for security votes and related operations between 2023 and 2025. Despite splashing such a humongous amount on security votes, terrorists have continued to feed on Nigerians across the nation.