The U.S. government is investigating its financial aid to Nigeria following claims that some of the funds may be indirectly supporting terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. The allegation was made by Rep. Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, during a congressional hearing last Thursday.
Boko Haram, a jihadist militant group based in northeastern Nigeria, has been responsible for widespread violence for over 15 years. The group has killed tens of thousands of people in attacks on security forces, civilians, and government institutions. Its activities extend beyond Nigeria, affecting neighboring countries like Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Mali.
During the hearing, Perry questioned how U.S. financial aid is being used and raised concerns about potential misuse of funds.
“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” Perry said.
Following these claims, the U.S. Mission to Nigeria issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, assuring that strict monitoring systems are in place to track American assistance and ensure it reaches the intended recipients.
“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to help verify that U.S. assistance reaches intended recipients. 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 Secretary of State designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013 to block the organization’s assets and fundraising efforts, prosecute individual members, and restrict their travel to the United States.
“The United States continues to work with Nigeria and regional partners to counter terrorism,” the post read.
