We Are Not Funding Boko Haram- US Govt

The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has rejected claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. Mills, speaking after a meeting with Nigeria’s Governors Forum in Abuja on Wednesday, said the US has strict policies to prevent aid from reaching terrorist organizations.

The controversy stemmed from a February 13 allegation by US Congressman Scott Perry, who accused USAID of indirectly funding groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda, citing misuse of $697 million annually. In response, the Nigerian Senate called for an investigation into the claims, involving top national security officials.

Mills denied any misuse of US aid, affirming that the US has long condemned Boko Haram and designated it a foreign terrorist organization since 2013.

“There is no friend of Nigeria stronger in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life than the United States. We have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, blocking the group from transferring assets to the US and allowing us to arrest and seize its members.

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He assured that any evidence of aid diversion would be thoroughly investigated.

He also clarified that the Trump administration’s decision to pause USAID funding for 90 days was aimed at reassessing and improving aid effectiveness, not cutting assistance.