US Denies Allegations of Funding Terrorist Groups in Nigeria, Stresses Commitment to Aid Accountability
Amid recent allegations that U.S. taxpayer funds may have inadvertently supported terrorist groups in Nigeria, the United States government has responded with assurances that it has robust systems in place to ensure aid reaches its intended recipients.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria condemned the violence and human rights violations committed by Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations in the region. The embassy reaffirmed the U.S. government’s long-standing position on counterterrorism efforts, highlighting that Boko Haram was officially designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Secretary of State in 2013. This designation, the embassy noted, aimed to block the group’s financial assets, disrupt fundraising, and impose travel restrictions on members of the organization.
The controversy emerged last week when Republican Congressman Scott Perry accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of inadvertently funding terror groups, including Boko Haram, with taxpayer money. Perry voiced these concerns while backing President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down USAID, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. foreign aid programs.
Boko Haram, which has wreaked havoc in northeastern Nigeria since 2009, has caused thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. USAID has been involved in providing humanitarian aid, stabilization initiatives, and support for those displaced by the insurgency in the region.
Perry’s allegations ignited a storm of debate, particularly on social media, where some Nigerians dismissed the claims as conspiracy theories, while others voiced frustration at what they perceive as U.S. involvement in exacerbating Nigeria’s security challenges under the guise of humanitarian support.
In response to the controversy, the U.S. government reiterated its commitment to working alongside Nigeria and regional partners to combat terrorism, ensuring that aid is effectively channeled and monitored to meet the needs of those most affected by the insurgency.
