Senate Calls for Investigation into Alleged USAID Terrorism Funding in Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has called on security and intelligence leaders to investigate claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding terrorism within Nigeria.

The decision was made after Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District raised an urgent motion on national security during the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday.

Ndume highlighted the serious nature of the accusations, particularly in light of the ongoing devastation caused by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram. He argued that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine how non-state actors have continued their operations for so long.

Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, supported the motion, but cautioned against discussing sensitive security issues in public. He suggested a private session with security and intelligence leaders to give the Senate a clearer understanding of the allegations.

Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), a co-sponsor of the motion, proposed that the security chiefs should first brief the Senators behind closed doors. Ningi emphasized that the issues raised were too sensitive for open debate and that a confidential briefing would be more appropriate.

He added, “We do not need a detailed public discussion on this matter; what we need is a closed-door session with the NSA, the DG of NIA, and the DSS to give the Senate a clear briefing. After receiving their input, we can move forward based on the facts provided.”

The Senate adopted Ningi’s suggestion, with Akpabio agreeing that hearing from the security heads was crucial.

The allegations against USAID were recently made by US Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the agency was funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, in Nigeria. Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the accusations during a hearing focused on the misuse of funds and fraud within USAID.

Perry stated, “Your money—$697 million annually, plus shipments of cash to Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding.”

The accusations sparked significant international attention, particularly in Africa and other developing nations, including Nigeria, which is a recipient of USAID aid.

Since 2009, Nigeria has been embroiled in a battle against Boko Haram, which has displaced over 2.5 million people and resulted in countless casualties, particularly in the northeastern states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa.