The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has categorically denied allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds Boko Haram or any other terrorist group. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja late Wednesday night, Mills emphasized that there is no evidence supporting such claims and reiterated the United States’ strong condemnation of Boko Haram’s violent activities.
This denial comes amid recent accusations by Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged during a congressional hearing on February 13 that USAID finances terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. The congressman’s remarks sparked widespread controversy and prompted calls for investigations into these claims, both within the United States and Nigeria.
In response to Perry’s allegations, Ambassador Mills clarified the U.S. position, stating that no nation condemns Boko Haram more strongly than the United States. “Let me be clear—there is no friend of Nigeria stronger in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life than the United States,” he said.
Mills further explained that the U.S. government designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization in 2013, imposing strict measures to block asset transfers to the group and enabling arrests of its members. He assured all parties that if any credible evidence emerged linking USAID funding to Boko Haram, the U.S. government would collaborate with Nigerian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
The ambassador highlighted the stringent policies and procedures in place to prevent USAID funds or other forms of U.S. assistance from being misused by terrorist groups. “We have strict policies and procedures to ensure that USAID funding or any other US assistance…is not diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram,” Mills stated emphatically.
Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made his controversial claim during the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency. The session, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” focused on addressing alleged misappropriations of taxpayer funds. During the discussion, Perry accused USAID of channeling money to terrorist groups, naming Boko Haram among them.
Specifically, he alleged that American taxpayer dollars, amounting to $697 million annually, were being funneled into madrasas and terrorist training camps linked to groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram. His comments drew significant attention and criticism, prompting the Nigerian Senate to request an investigation involving key security agencies, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and heads of the National Intelligence Agency and Defence Intelligence Agency.
Ambassador Mills took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions surrounding USAID’s operations in Nigeria. He stressed that the U.S. government remains committed to supporting Nigeria, particularly in critical areas such as healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid. However, he acknowledged a temporary 90-day pause implemented under President Donald Trump’s administration to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of U.S. assistance programs.
This is not about ending foreign assistance to our partners like Nigeria. It’s about making our assistance more effective and aligning it with U.S. government policies and interests,” Mills explained. He assured Nigerians that life-saving assistance, such as support for HIV patients, maternal and child nutrition, and internally displaced persons, would continue uninterrupted during this review period.
The ambassador also noted that decisions regarding the future of U.S. assistance to Nigeria would only be finalized after the 90-day evaluation concludes. “In 90 days, we will know where we stand,” he concluded.
Boko Haram, founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, has wreaked havoc across northern Nigeria and neighboring countries. The extremist group seeks to promote Sunni Islam and eliminate Shia Islam in the region. Over the years, its brutal tactics have claimed thousands of lives, destroyed billions of naira worth of property, and displaced countless families.
The insurgency has posed a significant challenge to regional stability and underscored the urgent need for coordinated efforts to combat terrorism. Both the Nigerian government and international partners, including the United States, have invested heavily in countering Boko Haram’s influence through military operations, intelligence sharing, and development initiatives aimed at addressing root causes of extremism.
As the debate over USAID funding continues, one thing remains certain: the fight against Boko Haram requires sustained collaboration between Nigeria and its allies. Ambassador Mills’ assurances reflect the U.S. commitment to supporting Nigeria in this endeavor while maintaining transparency and accountability in its aid programs.
For Nigeria, addressing the insurgency involves not only military solutions but also tackling underlying socio-economic issues that fuel recruitment by extremist groups. By working together, the U.S. and Nigeria can strengthen their partnership and develop comprehensive strategies to eradicate terrorism and foster long-term peace and prosperity.
Ambassador Mills’ unequivocal denial of allegations linking USAID to Boko Haram underscores the importance of evidence-based discourse in international relations. As the U.S. reviews its assistance programs, it is crucial for both nations to focus on enhancing cooperation and ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to address shared challenges. Only through mutual trust and collaboration can they hope to overcome threats like Boko Haram and build a brighter future for the people of Nigeria.
