The United States government has strongly denied allegations that it is funding Boko Haram, reaffirming its commitment to supporting Nigeria in combating terrorism.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., dismissed these claims following a private meeting with Nigeria’s 36 state governors in Abuja. The meeting, which began on Wednesday night and continued into the early hours of Thursday, addressed various security concerns, including terrorism.
The allegations originated from US Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been financially supporting terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. During a congressional hearing, Perry asserted that U.S. funds, amounting to $697 million annually, were allegedly being funneled to extremist groups such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and other terrorist factions.
Boko Haram has been a major source of instability in Nigeria, particularly in the North East, where it has carried out numerous attacks on civilians, military forces, and law enforcement for over 15 years. The group has also spread its operations to neighboring countries, including Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Mali, causing widespread devastation.
In response to Perry’s claims, Ambassador Mills Jr. firmly stated that there is no evidence to support such accusations. He emphasized that if there were any indication of USAID funds being misdirected to Boko Haram, immediate investigations would be launched in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
“The United States has been Nigeria’s strongest ally in fighting Boko Haram,” Mills said, highlighting that the group has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. since 2013. This classification prevents the group from accessing financial resources in the U.S., enables law enforcement action against its members, and strengthens counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria.
Mills reassured that strict policies are in place to prevent USAID or any U.S. government funds from being diverted to terrorist organizations, reaffirming America’s dedication to eradicating Boko Haram’s influence in the region.
By Journalist 101