The US ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has denied allegations that Boko Haram and other terrorist organisations in Nigeria have been receiving funds from USAID.
Following a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in Abuja on Wednesday, Mills addressed journalists.
According to the ambassador, the United States denounces the insurgency and pledges its assistance in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
“The United States categorically rejects any claims that it funds Boko Haram or any terrorist organisation in Nigeria,” Mills said.
“We stand with the Nigerian government and its people in their fight against terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups.”
Scott Perry, a US Republican congressman, had alleged that USAID has been funding terror groups, including Boko Haram.
Boko Haram began its war against the Nigerian state in 2009. The insurgency has led to the death of thousands of people and the displacement of millions — especially in the northeast region.
USAID has been involved in humanitarian aid, stabilisation efforts, and support for displaced persons in the region.
Perry’s claims have sparked debate, with some Nigerians dismissing them as conspiracy theories.
Meanwhile, the Borno Elders Forum has asked USAID and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to leave the state.
READ ALSO: Senate Grills Security Chiefs Over USAID Terror Claims
Bulama Gubio, the forum’s secretary, urged the Nigerian government to allow US authorities to investigate the claims thoroughly.
“I raised concerns about the sinister activities of NGOs in Borno state as far back as 2014,” Gubio said.
“I was invited to Abuja and detained for questioning. It took the intervention of Borno elders to bail me out.”
The Intercept reported that the senate has summoned the security chiefs over the allegation of USAID Funding terrorism and Boko Haram in Nigeria.
