ABUJA, Nigeria — The United States Agency for International Development, USAID, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that it indirectly funded terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram, fueling fresh controversy over its role in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
The claims, made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry during a congressional hearing, suggest that USAID channelled approximately $697 million annually to terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, ISIS, and Boko Haram.
The allegations have triggered widespread outrage and renewed debate about the agency’s activities in Nigeria, particularly concerning the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction and the subsequent Bring Back Our Girls, BBOG, campaign.
Renewed Debate Over USAID and BBOG Movement
The revelations have reignited suspicions among some Nigerians that the BBOG movement, which gained international attention following the mass abduction of nearly 300 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, was politically motivated to undermine former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.
The movement, co-founded by activist Aisha Yesufu, played a key role in pressuring the Nigerian government to act on the kidnappings, which many believe influenced the outcome of the 2015 presidential election that saw Jonathan lose to Muhammadu Buhari.
Following Perry’s claims, critics on social media have called on Yesufu to clarify whether USAID had any involvement in supporting BBOG.
Some online users have gone as far as accusing her of knowingly or unknowingly participating in what they allege was a U.S.-backed strategy to weaken Jonathan’s presidency.
One user on X (formerly Twitter), @anthonyabakporo, wrote: “I still stand that Aisha Yesufu @AishaYesufu should either apologize or tell us why she thinks she is innocent. Insulting David Hundeyin @DavidHundeyin is not addressing the ‘Truth.’”
Another user, @ogidi_odogwu, asked: “Aisha Yusufu, what do you say about the exposé by @DOGE regarding USAID sponsoring Boko Haram and the ‘Bring Back Our Girls’ campaign to unseat GEJ?”
Despite the growing backlash, Yesufu has strongly denied any links between USAID and BBOG, dismissing the allegations as baseless.
In a post on X, she reiterated her commitment to promoting good governance and transparency in Nigeria.
“Just so you know, Aisha Yesufu is currently working with like-minded Nigerians who are not afraid to put in the work for Nigeria to be a great nation,” she wrote.
She added that her focus remains on ensuring that “competent, honest, and capable individuals” are placed in leadership positions to improve governance.
USAID Under Fire for Alleged Terrorist Ties
While Yesufu continues to defend her role in BBOG, the allegations against USAID have intensified scrutiny over the agency’s funding mechanisms.
Congressman Perry’s claims have fueled concerns that U.S. aid money may have inadvertently been funneled to terrorist organizations through third-party channels.
During his congressional testimony, Perry stated, “Your money—$697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash—funds Madrasa, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding.”
The claim has led to a growing demand for accountability, with Nigerians questioning how USAID’s financial allocations have been monitored over the years.
USAID has yet to release an official statement responding to Perry’s accusations or address concerns about its funding activities in Nigeria.
The lack of immediate clarification has fueled speculation that the agency’s programs may have been exploited by extremist groups.
Calls for Investigation into USAID’s Operations in Nigeria
The controversy has prompted calls for a thorough investigation into USAID’s financial activities in Nigeria.
Analysts argue that while USAID has played a significant role in funding development projects, greater oversight is needed to ensure that aid does not inadvertently benefit extremist organizations.
Some Nigerian commentators have warned that if the allegations are proven true, the agency may have inadvertently fueled the Boko Haram insurgency, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions across the country.
While some view the controversy as a politically motivated attack on USAID and BBOG, others insist that the agency must be held accountable for any unintended consequences of its financial dealings.
As pressure mounts on USAID to provide transparency, the debate over its role in Nigeria’s security crisis is far from over.
The agency’s response—or lack thereof—could have significant implications for future U.S. aid programs in Nigeria and other conflict-ridden regions.
