The United States government has strongly denied allegations that it is funding Boko Haram, reaffirming its unwavering support for Nigeria in combating terrorism.
The claims originated from US Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged during a recent congressional hearing that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) was indirectly financing terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. He stated that a portion of the $697 million allocated annually for aid programs was being funneled to extremist groups through various channels.
Responding to these accusations, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., firmly dismissed the claims, stating that there is no evidence to support them. Speaking after a private meeting with Nigeria’s 36 state governors in Abuja, he emphasized that all US aid programs are subject to strict oversight to prevent misuse.
“There is absolutely no evidence that I have seen to support these claims. If we ever received credible proof that any US funds were diverted to Boko Haram, we would immediately launch an investigation in partnership with Nigerian authorities,” Mills stated.
The ambassador reiterated that the US has designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, ensuring that the group is sanctioned and its members are barred from financial transactions with the US. He also reaffirmed America’s commitment to helping Nigeria in the fight against insurgency through intelligence-sharing, military cooperation, and humanitarian aid for displaced victims.
