The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to stringent monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches its intended beneficiaries in Nigeria. This statement comes amid allegations that American taxpayer funds have inadvertently supported Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations operating in the country.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria condemned the activities of Boko Haram and other extremist groups, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria and the broader region.
“The United States condemns the violence and blatant disregard for human life perpetrated by Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria and the region,” the embassy stated. The embassy also referenced the U.S. government’s designation of Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on November 14, 2013, a move aimed at disrupting the group’s financial networks, restricting the movement of its members, and facilitating prosecutions.
The controversy emerged last week when Republican Congressman Scott Perry alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had, through its programs, inadvertently funded terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. Perry made the claim while defending former President Donald Trump’s decision to shut down USAID, arguing that the agency’s aid distribution efforts had been exploited to finance terrorism.
Boko Haram, which has waged an insurgency in Nigeria since 2009, has been responsible for the deaths of thousands and the displacement of millions, particularly in the northeastern region. USAID has played a key role in providing humanitarian assistance, stabilization programs, and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the insurgency. The congressman’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, with reactions split between those dismissing his allegations as conspiracy theories and others accusing the U.S. of inadvertently fueling insecurity in Nigeria.
Despite the controversy, the U.S. has reiterated its commitment to working closely with Nigeria and its regional partners to counter terrorism and strengthen security measures. American officials have insisted that stringent oversight mechanisms are in place to track and verify the distribution of aid, ensuring it serves its intended purpose without falling into the hands of terrorist organizations.
The allegations come at a time when international aid remains critical for Nigeria’s ongoing fight against insurgency, with millions still in need of humanitarian assistance. While the U.S. government continues to defend its aid programs, concerns persist over the challenges of ensuring that all humanitarian efforts are safeguarded against exploitation by extremist groups.
