On Wednesday, the Senate summoned top intelligence officials to investigate allegations made by U.S. Congressman Perry Scott, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

The resolution came after Senator Mohammed Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, raised an Order of Urgent National Security under Order 41. Ndume urged the Senate to take the claim seriously, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to clarify how non-state actors, particularly Boko Haram, have continued to operate over the years.

Among the security and intelligence agencies summoned were the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the resolution but stressed that security matters should be handled privately. He noted that intelligence chiefs would provide the Senate with a clearer understanding during a closed-door briefing.

Senator Ningi echoed this sentiment, stating that while the allegations were significant, they required a confidential discussion. “At this point, whatever is written here is relevant, but it is almost impossible to do justice to the issues in an open debate,” Ningi said.

He further emphasized that the primary action should be summoning the NSA, the DG of NIA, and the DSS for a private session with the Senate. “This is their duty; this is what they are funded to do. With their briefing, we can proceed based on the facts presented,” he concluded.