U.S. Denies Allegations of Funding Boko Haram
The U.S. government has firmly denied allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding Boko Haram or any other terrorist group in Nigeria. U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, stated that the U.S. has strict measures in place to prevent any diversion of funds and would immediately investigate if any credible evidence emerged.
The allegations were made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that American taxpayer funds were being misused to support terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
In response, the Nigerian Senate has summoned top security officials, including the National Security Adviser and the heads of intelligence agencies, to discuss the claims and broader security concerns.
Mills reiterated that the U.S. has been a strong partner in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, designating it as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013. He also highlighted key priorities for U.S.-Nigeria relations, such as boosting trade and investment, improving transparency and governance, strengthening engagement at the state level, and ensuring the sustainability of U.S.-backed healthcare programs, including HIV and polio eradication efforts.
Addressing concerns about U.S. foreign aid, Mills clarified that no assistance to Nigeria has been cut, though a temporary 90-day review is in place to assess its effectiveness and alignment with U.S. policies.
However, life-saving humanitarian aid, including support for displaced persons and healthcare programs, continues without interruption.
