The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has firmly dismissed allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding Boko Haram or any terrorist group in Nigeria.
No Evidence of Terrorist Funding
Speaking after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja, Mills assured that there is no factual basis for the claims. He reiterated the US government’s commitment to fighting terrorism and emphasized that USAID follows strict policies to prevent any funds from reaching terrorist organizations.
“Let me be clear—there is no stronger friend of Nigeria in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life than the United States.”
He added that if any credible evidence surfaced, the US government would collaborate with Nigeria to investigate the matter immediately.
US Actions Against Boko Haram
Mills highlighted the US government’s longstanding opposition to Boko Haram, pointing out that the group was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2013. This designation blocks the group’s ability to transfer assets and enables the US to arrest and seize its members.
He also reaffirmed that the US cooperates closely with Nigerian authorities to combat terrorism and prevent the misuse of any development aid.
Congressman’s Allegations Spark Controversy
The allegations stem from a statement by US Congressman Scott Perry, who, during a February 13 hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, accused USAID of indirectly funding terrorist groups.
Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, claimed:
“Your money—$697 million annually—plus the shipments of cash funds in madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding.”
His statement ignited concerns and debates over USAID’s role in Nigeria and other countries.
Nigeria’s Response to the Allegations
Reacting to the controversy, the Nigerian Senate has called on:
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
Heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)
to investigate any claims of terrorist funding involving USAID.
As the situation unfolds, both the US and Nigerian governments continue to maintain their stance against terrorism and ensure that foreign aid is used strictly for development purposes.
