Prominent Nigerians, including government officials, retired military generals, and diplomats, have called for a thorough investigation into allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
The allegations were made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, during a congressional hearing on government spending and fraud. Perry claimed that USAID was channeling $697 million annually to groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.
A video of his remarks has since gone viral, sparking widespread concern in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently voiced concerns about how international organizations operate in conflict zones, emphasizing that many captured insurgents were found with foreign currencies.
While the Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to Perry’s claims, several prominent figures have weighed in.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, Dele Cole, urged the government to investigate the claims and scrutinize how foreign aid is managed.
Former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, emphasized the need for diplomatic engagement with international bodies to verify the allegations.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin described the claims as an “open secret,” suggesting that foreign powers have an interest in Africa’s instability.
Meanwhile, Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, suggested that Nigeria and other affected countries should demand compensation from the U.S. if the allegations are proven true.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, cautioned against jumping to conclusions, stating that the U.S. must provide concrete evidence before any action can be taken.
As concerns mount, stakeholders are urging the Nigerian government to take the allegations seriously, launch an independent probe, and demand accountability from international partners.