The Nigerian Senate has summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, along with the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), to address allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
This decision, announced during a plenary session on February 19, 2025, follows claims made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry. Perry alleged that USAID has been financing global terror groups such as ISIS, al-Qaeda, and their affiliates, including Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Senator Ali Ndume of Borno South Senatorial District brought the motion to the Senate, emphasizing the severity of the allegations and the necessity for a thorough investigation.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio concurred, stating that security matters of this nature require confidential discussions. Consequently, the Senate resolved to convene a closed-door session with the security chiefs to scrutinize the claims and determine appropriate actions.
Congressman Scott Perry’s assertions were made during a congressional hearing, where he claimed that USAID has been indirectly financing terrorist activities worldwide, including in Nigeria.
He alleged that approximately $697 million annually is directed towards entities such as madrasas, ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and other terrorist training camps.
In response to these allegations, the Nigerian Senate seeks to ascertain the veracity of the claims and evaluate their implications for national security.
The upcoming closed-door meeting with the nation’s top security officials aims to provide clarity on the matter and guide subsequent legislative or executive measures