No evidence’ – US govt breaks silence On USAID funding Boko Haram

DDM News

The United States has denied allegations of USAID funding Boko Haram or any terrorist group in Nigeria.

The U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, dismissed the claims after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, he stated that the U.S. government maintains strict policies to prevent financial aid from being diverted to terrorist organizations.

The controversy began on February 13 when U.S. Congressman Scott Perry made allegations during a government efficiency hearing.

Perry claimed that $697 million annually was being misused to fund groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

He alleged that cash shipments were reaching terrorist training camps, including Boko Haram in Nigeria.

Following these claims, the Nigerian Senate summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and intelligence agency heads to investigate.

Mills firmly rejected the allegations, stating that there was no evidence of USAID funds being used by Boko Haram.

He emphasized that the U.S. has designated Boko Haram as a terrorist organization since 2013.

This designation blocks Boko Haram from transferring assets to the U.S. and enables actions against its members.

Mills assured that the U.S. collaborates closely with Nigerian authorities on counterterrorism investigations.

He reiterated that the U.S. government would immediately act if there were any evidence of funding misuse.

He confirmed that USAID, the Department of Defense, and the State Department have strict monitoring procedures.

Mills reassured that U.S. assistance is carefully tracked to prevent its diversion to Boko Haram or any terrorist group.

He highlighted that if any misuse of funds was discovered, it would be investigated with Nigerian authorities.

The ambassador stressed that the U.S. stands with Nigeria in combating Boko Haram’s violence and terror activities.

Mills addressed concerns about potential cuts in USAID funding under the Trump administration.

He clarified that there was only a temporary pause in funding to reassess aid effectiveness.

No official decisions have been made about future funding, and assistance has not been completely cut.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the pause is to enhance aid efficiency, not eliminate funding.

Mills discussed broader U.S. engagement with Nigeria’s 36 state governors during the meeting.

He outlined four key priorities for U.S.-Nigeria relations, beginning with improving the business environment.

The U.S. aims to increase trade and investment between the two nations by fostering a better business climate.

Another priority is enhancing transparency and accountability to combat corruption in Nigeria.

The U.S. government supports Nigerian voices advocating for transparency in governance and financial management.

Mills stressed the importance of engaging at the state and local levels to improve program implementation.

He mentioned that U.S. assistance must involve local governing authorities for maximum impact.

Healthcare remains a crucial focus of U.S. aid in Nigeria, including efforts to combat diseases like HIV and polio.

Successful healthcare programs need to be sustained and transitioned to the Nigerian government over time.

Mills reiterated that the U.S. remains committed to working with Nigeria on economic, governance, and security challenges.

The ambassador reaffirmed the strong partnership between the U.S. and Nigeria in counterterrorism efforts.

He noted that Nigeria and the U.S. must continue collaborating to eradicate Boko Haram and other terrorist threats.

Mills emphasized that Boko Haram remains a significant concern and requires a united front from both nations.

The U.S. continues to provide intelligence and counterterrorism training to Nigerian security agencies.

Through strategic collaboration, both nations aim to dismantle Boko Haram’s networks and operations.

The ambassador highlighted that fighting Boko Haram requires consistent efforts and international cooperation.

He urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that all aid is effectively utilized to prevent exploitation by Boko Haram.

The Nigerian government has also maintained its commitment to fighting Boko Haram and improving national security.

Security agencies in Nigeria have been working to eliminate Boko Haram’s influence and activities across the country.

Mills assured that the U.S. will continue providing support to Nigeria’s military and intelligence operations.

He stressed that the fight against Boko Haram requires vigilance and strategic action from all stakeholders.

U.S. officials are confident that Boko Haram will be eliminated through coordinated international efforts.

The Nigerian government has intensified its fight against Boko Haram through military campaigns and intelligence operations.

Boko Haram remains a persistent threat, but security forces have made significant progress in reducing its activities.

The international community continues to support Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts to eradicate Boko Haram.

Mills assured that U.S. funding will always be monitored to prevent Boko Haram from accessing any resources.

He concluded by reaffirming that Boko Haram poses a major challenge that requires continued joint efforts.

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