US rejects claims of funding Boko Haram, says it stands with Nigeria against terrorism

Richard Mills, the US ambassador to Nigeria, has rebuffed claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria. 

Mills spoke with journalists on Wednesday after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in Abuja.

The envoy said the US condemns the insurgency and assured of his country’s support in the battle against terrorism in Nigeria.

“The United States categorically rejects any claims that it funds Boko Haram or any terrorist organisation in Nigeria,” Mills said.

“We stand with the Nigerian government and its people in their fight against terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups.”

Scott Perry, a US Republican congressman, had alleged that USAID has been funding terror groups, including Boko Haram.

Boko Haram began its war against the Nigerian state in 2009. The insurgency has led to the death of thousands of people and the displacement of millions — especially in the north-east region.

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.

On February 19, the senate invited security and intelligence chiefs over the allegations.

Meanwhile, the Borno Elders Forum has asked USAID and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to leave the state.

Bulama Gubio, the forum’s secretary, urged the Nigerian government to allow US authorities to investigate the claims thoroughly.

“I raised concerns about the sinister activities of NGOs in Borno state as far back as 2014,” Gubio said.

“I was invited to Abuja and detained for questioning. It took the intervention of Borno elders to bail me out.”