The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has strongly refuted allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding Boko Haram or any other terrorist group. Speaking after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja, Mills emphasized that the US has strict measures in place to prevent any American financial aid from being diverted to extremist organizations.
The controversy erupted after US Congressman Scott Perry, during a Subcommittee hearing on Government Efficiency, claimed that USAID funds were being misused to support terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. Perry alleged that $697 million annually was being funneled into these organizations, a claim that triggered a response from Nigerian authorities.
Following the accusations, the Nigerian Senate summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to investigate the claims.
In his response, Mills dismissed any evidence of USAID funds being misused, stating:
“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.”
He assured that the US maintains close cooperation with Nigeria in counterterrorism efforts and has strict policies to ensure that no US aid falls into the hands of terrorists.
“There is absolutely no evidence of such diversion, and if we ever had evidence that any program funding was being misused by Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate it with our Nigerian partners,” Mills added.
He also addressed claims that the Trump administration had cut USAID funding, clarifying that there was only a temporary 90-day pause to reassess and improve the efficiency of US aid programs.
Beyond counterterrorism, Mills discussed broader US engagement with Nigeria’s state governors, outlining four key priorities:
-
Boosting Trade and Investment – Improving Nigeria’s business environment to strengthen economic ties with the US.
-
Fighting Corruption – Enhancing transparency and accountability while supporting Nigerian voices advocating for good governance.
-
Engaging at the State Level – Expanding US involvement with local and state governments for more effective assistance programs.
-
Strengthening Healthcare Initiatives – Ensuring the sustainability of US-funded health programs like HIV reduction and polio eradication, transitioning them to Nigerian government control.
