The United States has firmly rejected allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Richard Mills, US Ambassador to Nigeria, dismissed the claims as false and reiterated America’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism while speaking to journalists on Wednesday after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in Abuja,
“The United States categorically rejects any claims that it funds Boko Haram or any terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
“We stand with the Nigerian government and its people in their fight against terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups”, Mills stated.
The ambassador’s response follows allegations made by US Congressman Scott Perry, who recently claimed that USAID has been indirectly funding terror groups, including Boko Haram.
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Perry’s statements have sparked widespread debate, with many Nigerians dismissing the accusations as conspiracy theories.
Boko Haram, which launched its violent insurgency in 2009, has been responsible for the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions, particularly in Nigeria’s north-east.
USAID has long been active in the region, providing humanitarian aid, supporting displaced persons, and contributing to stabilisation efforts.
Meanwhile, the Borno Elders Forum has called for USAID and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to suspend operations in the state pending a thorough investigation.
Bulama Gubio, the forum’s secretary, voiced his concerns over what he described as suspicious activities by NGOs in Borno.
“I raised concerns about the sinister activities of NGOs in Borno state as far back as 2014.
“I was invited to Abuja and detained for questioning. It took the intervention of Borno elders to bail me out”, Gubio said.
In response to the growing controversy, the Nigerian Senate on February 19 invited security and intelligence chiefs to address the allegations and discuss the potential implications for national security.
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