U.S. Ambassador Denies Claims of USAID Funding Terrorist Groups
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has dismissed allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is financially supporting Boko Haram or any other terrorist group.
Speaking after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja, Mills reaffirmed that the U.S. maintains strict policies to ensure no American aid is diverted to extremist organizations.
The controversy erupted on February 13 when U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID was indirectly funding groups like Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. He made the claim during a government oversight hearing, suggesting that nearly $697 million annually was being misused.
Following these allegations, the Nigerian Senate summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and intelligence officials to investigate the claims.
However, Mills strongly refuted any wrongdoing, stating:
“The United States has been one of Nigeria’s strongest allies in condemning Boko Haram’s actions. Since 2013, we have designated them as a foreign terrorist organization, blocking their access to U.S. financial systems and enabling law enforcement actions against them.”
He emphasized that U.S. agencies, including USAID and the Department of Defense, have stringent measures to prevent aid from reaching terrorist groups.
“There is absolutely no evidence of such diversion. If any evidence were found, we would act immediately alongside our Nigerian partners to investigate and address it.”
Mills also addressed concerns about U.S. aid policies, clarifying that past funding reviews were aimed at improving effectiveness, not cutting assistance.
Beyond security matters, he highlighted key areas of U.S.-Nigeria cooperation, including:
- Strengthening trade and investment
- Enhancing transparency and accountability
- Increasing engagement with state and local governments
- Supporting healthcare initiatives, such as HIV prevention and polio eradication
Mills assured that the U.S. remains committed to working with Nigeria on economic growth, governance, and counterterrorism efforts.
