Senate has summoned top security officials, including the National Security Adviser and the Directors-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Department of State Services, and Defence Intelligence Agency, to provide an urgent briefing on allegations that USAID has been funding Boko Haram in Nigeria.
The decision followed a motion presented by Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume, who highlighted a viral video of U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleging that USAID has been financing terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
He also noted that this allegation comes at a time when the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, raised an alarm that Boko Haram terrorist groups are being sponsored and trained by international organizations.
Ndume added that, over the years, Boko Haram’s modus operandi in Nigeria has been a source of grave concern, as their sources of funding and operations remain shrouded in mystery.
He recalled the devastation caused by Boko Haram in the North-East region and other parts of the country, including the bombing of the UN building in August 2011, among other attacks.
These acts have resulted in the loss of thousands of Nigerian lives, the destruction of properties, and unprecedented internal displacement across the country.
Ndume also recalled that the Federal Government over the years strived to put measures in place to curtail the activities of terrorist groups in the country
He said this allegation comes at a time when the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has raised an alarm that Boko Haram terrorist groups are being sponsored and trained by international organizations.
Senator Ndume, in an interview, stated that this is the right time for Nigeria to take decisive action in addressing the country’s security challenges by thoroughly investigating the matter.
Cov/Bashir M
