There are allegations that USAID unintentionally channelled approximately $697 million annually to terrorist groups across the world.
The senate has has voiced serious concerns over the escalating insecurity in the country and the alarming allegations that certain international agencies may have been financing the boko haram insurgency.
In response, the senate has summoned key national security officials for a closed-door session to discuss these allegations and other security-related matters.
Those invited are the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye.
This resolution was sequel to a motion titled: “Urgent need to investigate the alleged funding of Boko Haram by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),” sponsored by Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno south) during Wednesday plenary.
Presenting his motion, Sen. Ndume highlighted the reports circulating in the media following a hearing by the U.S. subcommittee on delivering on government efficiency. At the hearing, U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID had been unintentionally channeling approximately $697 million annually to terrorist groups across the world.
Ndume expressed concern over the mystery surrounding boko haram’s sources of funding and its sustained ability to wreak havoc across Nigeria, particularly in the northeastern region.
He said, “It is known that over the years, the modus operandi of boko haram in Nigeria has been a source of great concern. Their source of funding and operations have been flooded in mystery. It is known that the devastation caused by boko haram in the northeast region and other parts of the country, which includes the bombing of UN building in August 2021, and of course the bombing of the police headquarters here in Abuja, among other attacks, led to loss of life of Nigerians in thousands and unwanted destruction on properties which occasioned and precedented internal displacement across the country.Â
“The federal government over the years strives to put measures in place to curtail the activities of terrorist groups in the country by expending huge resources which seem not to have yielded much result as the various activities of terrorists continues
“The monumental devastation caused by boko haram in this country should be a matter of concern as it has dented the image of this country.”
Ndume also noted that this claim comes shortly after the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, raised alarm that terrorist groups in the country were receiving sponsorship and training from international organisations.
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Calls for investigation and security briefing
Following Ndume’s motion, other senators echoed the need for an in-depth probe into the alleged international financing of terrorism in Nigeria. Sen. Kaka Shehu Lawan noted that previous intelligence efforts to trace terrorist funding sources had not yielded the desired results.
He said, “The intelligence agencies in Nigeria have in the past made numerous attempts to investigate on the funding of these terrorists and bandits through various ways, but did not yield the much desired results.”
Sen. Abdul Ningi called for a high-level security briefing, emphasising that such sensitive matters should not be debated openly in the senate. Instead, he proposed a closed-door meeting with the National Security Adviser, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
In his remark, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged caution, warning against relying on unverified claims, especially those circulated on social media. He pointed out that false narratives and misinformation often gain traction online, making it crucial for the senate to hear directly from security agencies before drawing conclusions.
He said, “You know, social media is garbage in, garbage out. Everybody can say anything on the social media. Many of us have experienced social media attacks as well.Â
“Sometimes 99 perent of what is in the social media is inaccurate, sometimes, total speculation, and sometimes based on mischief. So, there is no way we can shift the mindset behind the bar.Â
“We must hear from our own security agents and intelligence agencies.Â
“I also believe we should also look at the DIA, Defense Intelligence Agency. They will have information on past arrests and questionings and all that to brief us and security is not something we discuss in the market, it is something that should be discussed in closed session.
However, Sen. Ndume countered Akpabio’s remarks, asserting that the claims were not merely social media rumors but were actively being investigated by the U.S. Congress.
Parliament Reports recalls that January, President Donald Trump suspended all foreign aid for 90 days, explaining that the pause was to determine whether the use of those funds aligned with America’s interests.
Senate Resolution
In light of these concerns, the senate formally resolved to summon top security officials, including the National Security Adviser, the heads of NIA, DSS, and DIA, for a closed-door session. The purpose of the meeting is to assess the credibility of these allegations, discuss Nigeria’s broader security challenges, and determine necessary policy responses.
However, no date has been set for the heads of the Nation’s intelligence agencies to appear before the Senate.
Boko Haram: Origins and impact
Boko haram is a jihadist terrorist group based in northeastern Nigeria, with activities extending to neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. The group’s official name is Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati Wal-Jihad, which translates to “People Committed to the Propagation of the Prophet’s Teachings and Jihad.”
It was founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, Borno State. The group initially positioned itself as a religious movement opposing western-style education and governance, arguing that they corrupt Islamic values. The name “boko haram” roughly translates to “western education is forbidden” in Hausa.
Terrorism and insurgency
After Yusuf’s death in 2009 during a Nigerian military crackdown, the group became more violent under the leadership of Abubakar Shekau. It launched a full-scale insurgency against the Nigerian government, engaging in bombings, assassinations, and mass abductions, most notably the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping.
The group pledged allegiance to ISIS (Islamic State) in 2015, leading to a split within Boko Haram, with a faction known as ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) emerging. Both factions remain active, carrying out attacks against civilians, government forces, and international organizations.
The US State Department designated boko haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization in November 2013.
Global and regional impact
Boko Haram’s actions have led to one of the worst humanitarian crises in Africa, displacing millions and causing thousands of deaths. The Nigerian military, with support from regional and international forces, continues efforts to combat the group, though it remains a significant security threat.
