IBY
Peterside Rejoice Eneky
Senate Moves to Investigate Alleged USAID Funding of Boko Haram
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Senate moved to invite the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director-General of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for a closed-door session.
The invitation aims to investigate allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding Boko Haram in Nigeria.
The motion was moved by Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno Central Senatorial District, along with eight co-sponsors, citing the urgent need to address the matter.
During the debate, Senator Ndume highlighted that on Thursday, February 13, 2025, social media was flooded with a viral video of U.S. Republican Congressman Scott Perry (representing Pennsylvania). In the video, Perry, speaking at the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, alleged that USAID has been funding terrorist organizations worldwide, including Boko Haram.
Ndume further noted that this allegation comes shortly after Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, raised concerns about Boko Haram being sponsored and trained by international organizations. He stressed that for years, the source of Boko Haram’s funding and operations had remained a mystery, making it a serious national security concern.
Recalling past attacks, Ndume referenced the devastation caused by Boko Haram, particularly in the North-East region and other parts of Nigeria. He cited the August 2011 bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja and numerous other attacks that led to thousands of deaths, destruction of property, and widespread internal displacement. He also pointed out that despite the Nigerian government’s extensive efforts and financial investments to combat terrorism, Boko Haram’s activities have continued unabated.
Contributing to the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi described the motion as timely and critical. He argued that the Senate’s role as a legislative body includes raising such pressing issues but emphasized the need for intelligence reports before taking further action.
“In a plenary like this, it is almost impossible to fully address the issues raised by this motion. However, it is our legislative right and mandate to bring matters like this to the forefront. We do not need an elaborate debate at this stage because we must first be briefed by the heads of our security agencies in a closed session,” Senator Ningi said.
He added that while the media has widely reported the allegations, security agencies funded by the government are responsible for gathering intelligence on such matters. He insisted that inviting the National Security Adviser, the NIA, and the DSS for a closed-door session was the appropriate step.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also weighed in, supporting the need for a thorough investigation. He pointed out that allegations of USAID funding Boko Haram should not be taken at face value without proper verification.
“A political party is taking over from another, and allegations are flying in all directions. Only through a thorough investigation can the truth be established. Even in the United States, they are investigating the claim and have not accepted it outright. Nigeria must also investigate to be certain,” Akpabio stated.
He added that if the allegations were proven true, Nigeria would have no reason to allow USAID to continue operations in the country. However, before any decisive action can be taken, the Senate must be briefed by intelligence agencies.
Following the discussions, the Senate resolved to hold a closed-door session with the heads of security agencies to gather intelligence before determining the next steps.
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