The Nigerian Senate has called upon key security officials to address claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria. The officials summoned include National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) Adeola Ajayi, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye. They are expected to provide explanations in a closed-door session.
This action follows allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that USAID has been inadvertently channeling approximately $697 million annually to terrorist groups worldwide, including Boko Haram in Nigeria. These allegations have raised serious concerns about the sources of funding for Boko Haram and their sustained operations, especially in Nigeria’s northeastern region.
Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, sponsored the motion leading to the summons. He emphasized the need to investigate the mystery surrounding Boko Haram’s funding and operations, which have resulted in significant loss of life and property, as well as internal displacement across the country.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio highlighted the importance of verifying these claims, stating that if USAID is found guilty of funding Boko Haram, their operations in Nigeria would be reconsidered. He also cautioned against relying solely on unverified information from social media and stressed the need for direct briefings from security agencies.
In response to these developments, President Bola Tinubu met with Senate President Akpabio at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to discuss the matter further. The outcome of this meeting has not been publicly disclosed.
The Senate’s decision underscores the urgency of addressing potential international financing of terrorism in Nigeria and ensuring that foreign aid does not inadvertently support insurgent activities.
