Senate invites Ribadu, DSS, NIA bosses over USAID terrorism funding allegations

The senate has invited security intelligence chiefs over claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding to Boko Haram.

Lawmakers passed the resolution on Wednesday following a motion sponsored by Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central.

While seconding the motion, Ali Ndume, the Borno south lawmaker, cited the “devastating impact” of Boko Haram insurgency on the country.

Ndume said an investigation would clarify long-standing speculation on how the insurgent group has sustained its activities.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasised the need for discretion in handling security issues and said intelligence chiefs would provide insights in a closed-door session.

The officials invited include Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser; Adeola Ajayi, the director-general (DG) of the Department of State Services (DSS); Mohammed Mohammed, director-general of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA); and director-general of Directorate of Intelligence Agency (DIA).

US DENIES ALLEGATIONS 

Last week, Scott Perry, a Republican congressman, alleged that the USAID funded terror groups, including Boko Haram, with taxpayer money.

Perry spoke while backing President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down the agency.

Boko Haram has been active in Nigeria since 2009, killing thousands of people and displacing millions, especially in the north-east zone.

USAID has been involved in humanitarian aid, stabilisation efforts, and support for displaced persons in the region.

Perry’s claims have sparked debate, with some Nigerians dismissing them as conspiracy theories and others criticising US involvement.

On Monday, the US embassy in Nigeria denied the allegations, stating that mechanisms were in place to ensure aid reached its intended recipients.

“The US government condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region,” the embassy said in a post on X.

The statement said the US government would continue to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism.