The Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma spent N2.19 billion on security-related services in the first half of 2026, even as the state recorded a 14.4 per cent overall budget performance following a significant revenue shortfall.
The expenditure comprised N877.5 million spent under security votes, including operations (57.5 per cent of the N1.53 billion provision), and N1.31 billion spent on security services (37.3 per cent of the N3.51 billion budgeted for the item).
The figures are in the Imo State 2026 Second Quarter Budget Performance Report, which PREMIUM TIMES reviewed.
The spending comes on the heels of a series of security incidents across the state between January and June, including killings, attempted abductions, attacks on government facilities and the kidnapping of eight officials of Scripture Union.
PREMIUM TIMES reported that gunmen killed the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo, Paulinus Ekwueme, and five others in April. Police said the victims’ bodies were set ablaze after the attack.
