U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills denies allegations that USAID funds Boko Haram in Nigeria, emphasizing strict oversight on U.S. aid. His statement follows claims by U.S. lawmaker Scott Perry, prompting Nigerian Senate investigations. Mills reaffirmed America’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and collaboration with Nigeria in combating extremist groups.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has dismissed allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding Boko Haram or any other terrorist group in Nigeria. His statement came after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mills emphasized that the U.S. has been a strong ally in the fight against Boko Haram, having designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization since 2013. This designation, he noted, has allowed the U.S. to block financial transactions linked to the group and collaborate with Nigerian authorities on counterterrorism efforts.
He assured that all U.S. funding, whether through USAID, the Department of Defense, or the State Department, undergoes strict oversight to prevent misuse. "There is no evidence that USAID funds Boko Haram. If any proof were to emerge, we would work closely with Nigerian officials to investigate and address the issue immediately," Mills stated.
The ambassador’s remarks were in response to recent claims by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged that USAID funding might be reaching terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. Perry’s comments sparked widespread reactions, prompting the Nigerian Senate to call for an investigation involving the National Security Adviser and intelligence agencies.
As discussions continue, Mills reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to Nigeria’s security and counterterrorism efforts, urging caution against misinformation that could damage diplomatic relations.
