No Evidence our aid was used to finance Boko Haram – US Govt

The U.S. government has denied allegations that its development aid to Nigeria is being used to finance terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

The response follows claims by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged that funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were being funneled to terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. Perry made the remarks while defending the Trump administration’s decision to halt aid to certain nations, stating, “Your money, $697 million annually, plus cash shipments, is funding terrorism. It’s coming through USAID, and it’s not just Afghanistan—Pakistan is right next door.”

In reaction, the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday resolved to investigate the claims, summoning National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the heads of the Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, and Defence Intelligence Agency.

Addressing the allegations, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills dismissed the claims, stressing that the U.S. has strict oversight measures to prevent aid from reaching terrorist groups. Speaking after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja, Mills stated, “The United States has been Nigeria’s strongest partner in combating Boko Haram. We designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization in 2013, blocking its access to U.S. assets and enabling the arrest of its operatives.”

Mills further emphasized that there is no evidence of U.S. funds, including those from USAID, the Department of Defense, or the State Department, being diverted to terrorists. “If we ever had evidence that any program funding was being misused by Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate it alongside our Nigerian partners,” he assured.

Reaffirming Washington’s commitment to Nigeria’s security, Mills stated, “The U.S. stands with Nigeria in eradicating Boko Haram and ensuring that no assistance is exploited by terrorist elements.”