Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has called for an urgent and thorough investigation into allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) may have indirectly funded the terrorist group Boko Haram. The allegations, recently raised by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, have sparked widespread concern in Nigeria, particularly in the North East, where Boko Haram has wreaked havoc for over a decade.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Channel Television and monitored by our reporter, Senator Ndume described the allegations as “very worrisome” and emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to take immediate action. “This is not just an allegation; it is a weighty accusation that demands serious investigation,” Ndume stated. “The Nigerian government, particularly the National Assembly, must verify the veracity of these claims.”
Boko Haram, a jihadist group responsible for countless atrocities, has killed an estimated 50,000 people, displaced over 2.5 million, and left more than 1 million children out of school in the North East. The group’s infamous attacks include the bombing of the police headquarters and the United Nations office in Abuja, as well as the abduction of 276 Chibok schoolgirls in 2014, many of whom remain missing.
Senator Ndume recalled past incidents that raised suspicions about the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the region. “During the tenure of former Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, the Nigerian army raided the offices of USAID and the United Nations in Maiduguri based on intelligence reports,” he said. “There was also a case where an NGO was found training its staff on how to use firearms. These incidents have always made us question where Boko Haram gets its funding and resources.”
Congressman Scott Perry, during a recent U.S. congressional hearing, revealed that $697 million (over 1 trillion naira) had been allocated to organizations linked to Boko Haram. Senator Ndume stressed that such revelations cannot be ignored. “When a U.S. Congressman speaks about this, it is no longer just an allegation. It is a serious claim that requires immediate attention,” he said.
Senator Ndume said he planned to bring a motion before the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, urging the establishment of a high-powered committee to investigate the matter. He proposed that Nigeria’s security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Department of State Services (DSS), be involved in the probe. “This is a matter of urgent national importance,” he emphasized. “The security and welfare of Nigerian citizens are the primary responsibility of our government, not foreign entities.”
Ndume also criticized Nigeria’s reliance on foreign aid, calling it a “wake-up call” for the nation to become self-sufficient. “Nigeria is supposed to be a donor country, not a recipient. We have all the resources we need; the problem lies in our leadership. We must fix this to tap into our potential and secure our future,” he said.
Read also: MPAC demands probe into USAID’s alleged funding of Boko Haram
The senator further highlighted the need for adequate funding for Nigeria’s security agencies. “If we want to end terrorism, we must properly fund our military and security forces. Budget allocations should be released in full and on time. Without sufficient resources, our troops cannot effectively combat Boko Haram and other terrorist groups,” he asserted.
Ndume also addressed the recent visa denial to Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) by the United States, describing it as a “disrespect to Nigeria.” He urged Nigerian leaders to prioritize national pride and self-reliance. “We must respect ourselves first. If we don’t, others will not respect us,” he said.
The senator expressed cautious optimism about the progress made in the fight against Boko Haram but warned that the group remains a threat. “Their attacks have reduced, but they still operate in black spots like Sambisa Forest, Lake Chad, and the Mandara Mountains. We must remain vigilant and continue to support our security forces,” he said.
As the allegations of foreign funding continue to stir debate, Senator Ndume’s call for a comprehensive investigation has garnered support from various quarters. Many Nigerians hope that the probe will shed light on the sources of Boko Haram’s funding and bring an end to the group’s reign of terror.
For now, the Nigerian government faces mounting pressure to address and investigate these allegations and ensure that no external forces are undermining its efforts to secure the nation.
