The Nigerian Senate has summoned top security officials, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, NIA Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and DIA Director Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye, over explosive allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been sponsoring Boko Haram.
The security chiefs are expected to appear behind closed doors to address claims made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who recently alleged that USAID has been unintentionally channeling around $697 million annually to terrorist groups globally, including Boko Haram. The U.S. Congress has since launched its own investigation into the matter.
The Senate raised alarm over the increasing insecurity in the country and the potential role of international agencies in fueling insurgency. The motion, spearheaded by Senator Ali Ndume and co-sponsored by eight other senators, called for a thorough probe into Boko Haram’s shadowy funding sources.
Senator Ndume stressed the devastating impact of Boko Haram’s activities, particularly in the northeastern region, highlighting attacks like the 2011 UN building bombing and the police headquarters attack in Abuja. He expressed deep concern over the group’s persistent access to funds despite ongoing government efforts to curtail their operations.
Other lawmakers echoed the need for an in-depth investigation, with Senator Abdul Ningi advocating for a high-level, closed-door security briefing. “This isn’t a matter for open debate. Our intelligence agencies must brief us directly,” Ningi emphasized.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, however, urged caution, warning against drawing conclusions based on unverified reports. “Social media is rife with misinformation. We must rely on verified intelligence before taking any drastic measures,” he said.
Despite Akpabio’s caution, Ndume insisted that the allegations are credible, pointing to the ongoing U.S. congressional probe and recalling former President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend foreign aid in January to reassess its global impact.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu met with Akpabio at the Presidential Villa last night to discuss the issue. Though the meeting’s details remain undisclosed, sources suggest the government may reconsider USAID’s operations in Nigeria if the allegations are confirmed.
The U.S. Mission in Nigeria has responded, assuring that comprehensive monitoring systems are in place to ensure aid reaches intended recipients and promising full cooperation in ongoing investigations.
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