On February 13, 2025, US Congressman Scott Perry claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been secretly funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, with an amount of $697 million annually. These claims were made during a hearing of the Government’s Efficiency Subcommittee, focusing on taxpayer funds on the move.
In the widely shared video, Perry says: “Your amount is $697 million per year, plus cash deliveries to Madrasas, DAISH, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, DAISH Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s financing.”
The allegations have raised significant concern in Nigeria, with calls for a thorough investigation to examine the claims. The Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa, had earlier expressed concern over the operations of international NGOs in conflict zones, particularly in the north-east, where Boko is active. Haram and ISWAP rebels. He called on the UN to investigate the sources of financing these terrorist groups citing that many rebels arrested during military operations have been found with foreign currency.
Former Nigerian ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, Dele Cole, has condemned the idea that US IMF funds are being used to aid terrorism in Nigeria. He questioned the way the fund was allocated and called on the Federal Government to investigate the claims. Cole stressed the need for African countries to be self-reliant and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
Similarly, former Minister of Education and former Ambassador to Germany, Professor Tunde Adeniran stressed the importance of a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the authenticity of Perry’s claims. He advocated for cooperation with relevant international bodies to examine the claims and, if justified, take appropriate diplomatic and security measures to determine future events. for consideration.
As of now, the Nigerian government has not issued an official statement regarding the congressman’s claims. The situation emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in international aid programmes to ensure that development and humanitarian aid funds do not support activities that disrupt global security.
