Senate Summons Security Chiefs Over Allegations of USAID Funding Boko Haram

Badamasi Bello, Jadetimes Staff

B. Bello is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Nigerian News

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Image source : Nigerian Senate

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has called for an urgent investigation into allegations that international organizations, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), may be funding terrorist groups such as Boko Haram. The Senate has summoned the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to appear before it and provide clarity on the matter.

The call for an investigation followed a motion raised by Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) during a plenary session. The motion was prompted by a viral video of U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, who alleged during a congressional hearing that USAID has been involved in financing terrorist activities globally, including Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Lawmakers Express Grave Concerns

Senator Ndume, while presenting the motion, highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, noting that they align with recent concerns raised by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa. General Musa had previously warned that terrorist groups in Nigeria were receiving sponsorship and training from international organizations. “These allegations, if true, pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s national security and must be thoroughly investigated,” Ndume stated.

The Senate expressed deep concern over the implications of such funding, particularly in a country already grappling with insurgency, banditry, and other forms of violent crime. Lawmakers emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in addressing the allegations to prevent further escalation of insecurity.

Congressman Perry’s Allegations

The allegations stem from remarks made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry during the inaugural session of an advisory body created by President Donald Trump to cut government spending. Perry claimed that USAID’s annual budget of $697 million, which includes cash shipments to madrasas (Islamic schools), has inadvertently funded terrorist training camps and extremist groups, including Boko Haram.

Perry, a member of Trump’s Republican Party, has been a vocal critic of USAID, accusing the agency of misusing funds and failing to align its operations with U.S. interests. In January, Trump suspended all foreign aid for 90 days, citing the need to ensure that such funds served America’s strategic interests. Critics, however, argue that Trump’s actions were aimed at undermining institutions like USAID.

Senate’s Resolution

The Senate resolved to summon Nigeria’s top security officials to provide detailed explanations and evidence regarding the allegations. The lawmakers also called for a comprehensive investigation into the funding sources of terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, including Boko Haram and its affiliates.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “The allegations of international funding for terrorist groups are too grave to ignore. We must get to the bottom of this to safeguard our nation’s security and sovereignty.”

Implications for Nigeria’s Security

The allegations, if proven true, could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. Boko Haram, which has been responsible for thousands of deaths and widespread displacement in the Northeast, has long been a thorn in the side of Nigeria’s security forces. The possibility of external funding for the group raises questions about the effectiveness of current counter-terrorism strategies and the need for greater international cooperation in combating terrorism.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability

Stakeholders have called for transparency and accountability in addressing the allegations. Security experts warn that without a thorough investigation, Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism could be undermined. “This is a wake-up call for Nigeria to strengthen its intelligence-gathering capabilities and ensure that all funding sources for terrorist groups are identified and cut off,” said Dr. Fatima Abubakar, a security analyst based in Abuja.

What’s Next?

The summoned security chiefs are expected to appear before the Senate in the coming days to provide their responses to the allegations. The Senate has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its investigation, promising to take necessary actions to protect Nigeria’s national security.

As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government addresses these serious allegations. The outcome could have significant implications for Nigeria’s relationship with international organizations and its ongoing battle against terrorism.