Nigerian Senate summons security chiefs over alleged USAID terrorism links
Kunle Sanni
The Nigerian Senate has reportedly summoned top security officials to a closed-door briefing following allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorism, including Boko Haram, in the country.
Among those summoned are the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi; the Chief of Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiadeye; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
The decision came after the Senate approved a motion titled “Urgent need to investigate the alleged funding of Boko Haram by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),” sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South).
According to a report by The Nation newspaper on Wednesday, no date has been set for the security chiefs’ appearance.
Ndume referenced a viral video of U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, alleging during a congressional hearing that USAID has been financing terrorist groups worldwide. The claims gained further traction after Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned that Boko Haram and other extremist groups receive foreign support.
On the other hand, Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the need for direct intelligence from security agencies, stating that classified matters should not be debated in public.
The allegations, if proven, could have significant diplomatic implications for Nigeria-U.S. relations. USAID, which provides humanitarian aid globally, has not responded to the claims.
