House Of Reps To Investigate Alleged USAID Funding Of Boko Haram

The House of Representative is to set up adhoc committee to investigate allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding the Boko Haram terrorist group.

The investigation follows a motion sponsored by Inuwa Garba, a member from Gombe State, who cited allegations made by US Congressman Scott Perry that USAID has been providing $697 million annually to fund terrorist activities, including those of Boko Haram

Lawmakers have expressed concerns that these allegations, if true, could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and compromise national security efforts.

They also raised questions about external influences on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, which has resulted in significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of citizens.

The House has urged the federal government to engage with the US government to obtain a formal clarification on the matter.

Additionally, they have mandated relevant committees to investigate the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria, including their sources of funding and expenditures.

In a related development, the Nigerian Senate has summoned top security officials to appear before them in a closed-door meeting to discuss the allegations.

Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Nigeria has refuted the allegations, stating that there is no evidence to support the claims and that the US has strict policies to prevent funding from being diverted to terrorist groups

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Shakirah Alabi