By DAYO ADESULU
NSA, DSS, NIA, and DIA to Provide Security Briefing Amid Growing Concerns
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate has summoned top intelligence officials to a closed-door session to address allegations that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding Boko Haram insurgents in the country.
The officials summoned include:
- Mallam Nuhu Ribadu – National Security Adviser (NSA)
- Adeola Ajayi – Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS)
- Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed – Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
- Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye – Director, Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
The development follows allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that USAID has been unintentionally funneling funds to terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
Senate and Presidency Respond to Allegations
The Senate resolution, spearheaded by Senator Ali Ndume and co-sponsored by eight other senators, comes amid growing concerns over Nigeria’s worsening security crisis and international funding of terrorism.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday night to discuss the allegations and possible diplomatic responses.
Investigating USAID’s Alleged Role in Terror Financing
During a plenary session, Senator Ndume referenced reports from the U.S. Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, where Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID had been unintentionally directing approximately $697 million annually to terrorist organizations worldwide.
Ndume emphasized that Boko Haram’s funding sources remain shrouded in mystery, despite the Nigerian government’s extensive counterterrorism efforts.
“The devastation caused by Boko Haram should be a matter of concern as it has dented the image of this country,” he said.
Call for High-Level Security Briefing
Several senators supported a deeper investigation, with Senator Abdul Ningi calling for a private security briefing instead of a public debate.
“We do not need an elaborate debate. The Senate must first be briefed behind closed doors by the heads of our intelligence agencies,” Ningi stated.
Senate President Akpabio Urges Caution on Allegations
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned against relying on unverified social media claims, stressing that intelligence agencies must provide credible information before any conclusions are drawn.
“Social media is full of speculation. We must hear from our own security and intelligence agencies before making any pronouncements,” Akpabio said.
However, Senator Ndume countered, insisting that the claims are already under investigation by the U.S. Congress and should not be dismissed as mere rumors.
U.S. Mission in Nigeria Confirms Aid Monitoring Measures
In response to the allegations, the United States Mission in Nigeria announced plans to investigate past foreign aid allocations to ensure funds reach their intended recipients.
A statement posted on the U.S. Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) account reaffirmed that monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to track U.S. assistance.
“Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation systems are in place to verify that U.S. assistance reaches its intended recipients,” the statement read.
What’s Next?
- Senate intelligence briefing: A date for the closed-door meeting with Nigeria’s intelligence chiefs is yet to be announced.
- Ongoing U.S. congressional investigation: The U.S. government is also examining the claims regarding USAID’s aid allocations.
- Potential diplomatic fallout: If found guilty, Senate President Akpabio stated that the Nigerian government would not allow USAID to continue operations in Nigeria.
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