By Linus Aleke, Abuja
A shocking revelation by United States Congressman Scott Perry has raised serious concerns among security experts and diplomats in Nigeria. Perry alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) provided financial support to terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, with a staggering $697 million annually.
Perry, a Republican representing Pennsylvania, made these claims during a hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, citing alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds. He further stated that USAID allocated $136 million for the construction of 120 schools in Pakistan, yet there is “zero evidence” of these schools existing.
Additionally, he questioned the legitimacy of the $60 million annual budget for the Women’s Scholarship Endowment and $5 million for the Young Women Lead program, suggesting that these funds might be indirectly supporting terrorism rather than empowering women. His allegations have sparked renewed debates about the accountability of international aid and its unintended consequences.
Reactions from Nigerian Security Experts
Reacting to Perry’s claims, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, said the allegations were not surprising. He recalled that Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had previously raised concerns about international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) allegedly collaborating with terrorist groups in the country.
Ejiofor emphasized that this revelation should prompt a thorough investigation by Nigeria’s National Assembly and security agencies. “Most of these foreign governmental and non-governmental agencies are suspected fronts. Their possible complicity in funding terrorism cannot be ruled out,” he stated.
When asked whether the government should ban such organizations from operating in conflict-prone areas, Ejiofor urged caution. “Until investigations are concluded and culpability is established, it would be premature to take drastic measures. The government must first ascertain the facts before deciding on the appropriate response.”
International Implications and Historical Precedents
Dr. Ambrose Igboke, an international affairs analyst, stated that allegations of powerful nations funding conflicts for geopolitical and economic reasons are not new. “Some developed countries use crisis situations as tools for regime change or to advance economic interests. This is why countries like Russia and China often reject international aid agencies,” he asserted.
He further pointed out that the sophisticated weaponry used by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) strongly suggests international sponsorship. “The presence of advanced arms in terrorist groups indicates that they receive funding and logistical support from foreign entities,” Igboke noted.
Espionage and Geopolitical Intrigue
Kabir Adamu, CEO of Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, echoed similar sentiments, explaining that espionage and foreign interference are long-standing issues in global politics. He argued that Perry’s allegations, while serious, failed to establish a direct link between Boko Haram and foreign aid organizations.
“In intelligence operations, support is often funneled through multiple layers, making it difficult to trace the original source. For instance, history has shown that the Taliban was indirectly created through Cold War rivalries between the U.S. and Russia,” Adamu explained.
He concluded that while the possibility of international funding for Boko Haram exists, Nigeria must focus on reducing its vulnerability to such external influences. “Rather than just identifying culprits, we need to develop mechanisms that limit their ability to exploit our security landscape,” he added.
Calls for a Thorough Investigation
With these fresh allegations coming from a U.S. lawmaker, Nigerian authorities face growing pressure to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the role of foreign aid agencies in conflict zones. The National Intelligence Agency (NIA), DSS, and other security bodies are expected to scrutinize these claims to determine whether USAID or other international organizations have been inadvertently—or deliberately—funding terrorism in Nigeria.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders insist that Nigeria must adopt a proactive approach in safeguarding its national security and ensuring that foreign aid serves its intended purpose of humanitarian assistance rather than fueling insurgency.