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No evidence USAID funds Boko Haram, says US envoy to Nigeria

Published

10 months ago

February 20, 2025

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills

No evidence USAID funds Boko Haram, says US envoy to Nigeria

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills has asserted that there is no evidence linking the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to the funding of Boko Haram or any terrorist organisations.

He stated this after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum in Abuja on Wednesday night, emphasising that no country condemns the violence perpetrated by Boko Haram more vehemently than the United States.

He assured that if any evidence emerges, the U.S. government will collaborate with the Nigerian government to investigate it.

On February 13, U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the claim during a hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, which focused on the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds. He accused USAID of channelling $697 million annually to groups such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

Boko Haram, founded in 2002 by Mohammed Yusuf, has caused widespread devastation in Nigeria, including thousands of deaths, displacement of families, and destruction of property worth billions of naira.

Perry’s remarks have sparked significant controversy, prompting both U.S. and Nigerian authorities to investigate.

The Nigerian Senate has summoned top security officials—including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)—to address these allegations in a closed-door session.

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Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills has dismissed the claims, stating there is no evidence that USAID funds are being diverted to Boko Haram or any terrorist group.

Mills reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to working with Nigeria to combat terrorism and ensure the proper use of American aid.

In response to inquiries, Mills stressed that the United States enforces stringent measures to ensure that USAID and other forms of American assistance do not fall into the hands of terrorist organisations like Boko Haram.

The American envoy said, “Let me be clear—there is no friend of Nigeria stronger in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life than the United States.

“We have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organisation since 2013, blocking the group from transferring assets to the U.S. and allowing us to arrest and seize its members.

“We cooperate in investigations with the Nigerian government. I can assure you that we have strict policies and procedures to ensure that USAID funding or any other U.S. assistance, whether from USAID, the Department of Defence, or the State Department, is not diverted to terrorist groups like Boko Haram.

“There is absolutely no evidence of such diversion, and if we ever had evidence that any programme funding was being misused by Boko Haram, we would immediately investigate it with our Nigerian partners.

“So, when it comes to Boko Haram, the United States stands with Nigeria in wanting to rid this country of the scourge that this organisation represents.”

The U.S. Ambassador clarified that the Trump administration’s 90-day pause on foreign aid was not a cut but rather a strategic move intended to enhance the effectiveness of the assistance.

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This temporary suspension aimed to allow for a comprehensive review of existing programmes and the development of improved strategies.

He explained, “No assistance has been cut yet and no decisions have been made about the future of our assistance. In fact, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that this is not about ending foreign assistance to our partners like Nigeria.

“It’s about making our assistance more effective and aligning it with U.S. government policies and interests.

“That’s what this 90-day pause is for. However, there are waivers for life-saving assistance, such as support for HIV patients, maternal and child nutrition, and internally displaced people. So that continues. In 90 days, we will know where we stand.”

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria shared insights on discussions held with the 36 state governors, highlighting the embassy’s vision for the future of U.S.-Nigerian relations.

These priorities include enhancing the business climate to boost trade and investment between the two nations, increasing transparency and accountability in Nigeria while combating corruption, and fostering greater engagement at the state and local government levels.

Additionally, he emphasised the importance of sustaining U.S. healthcare programmes in Nigeria, aiming to ensure their successful transition to Nigerian management as they continue to address critical health issues.

He stated, “I explained to them that we are going to focus on four key priorities in the coming years. The first is improving the business environment to increase trade and investment between the United States and Nigeria.

“Second, a renewed focus on improving transparency and accountability in Nigeria, fighting corruption, and empowering Nigerian voices advocating for more transparency.

“Third, we want to be more engaged at the subnational level, at the state level, and with local governing authorities. I believe the embassy needs to engage more in this area as we develop our programmes and assistance.

“Lastly, we discussed our healthcare programmes, which are a large part of U.S. assistance to Nigeria.

“As these programmes succeed—such as reducing HIV cases and eradicating polio—we want to ensure their sustainability and transition them to the Nigerian government at the federal and state levels.”

No evidence USAID funds Boko Haram, says US envoy to Nigeria

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Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security

Published

1 hour ago

December 9, 2025

Trends Admin

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence and military cooperation between both nations.

According to a statement issued by Ahmed Dan Wudil, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, the agreement establishes a framework for strategic collaboration in key areas including military training, intelligence sharing, defence production, joint operations, and broader security development initiatives.

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The pact was signed on behalf of Nigeria by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle, while Dr. Khaleed H. Al-Biyari represented the Government of Saudi Arabia.

The statement described the MoU as a major milestone in strengthening Nigeria–Saudi Arabia defence relations, enhancing cooperation on emerging threats, and improving collective capacity to manage evolving security challenges.

The Defence Ministry expressed optimism that the partnership will support existing efforts to combat insecurity across parts of the country. It added that the collaboration underscores Nigeria’s commitment to building strong international alliances in pursuit of national and regional stability.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Seal New Defence Cooperation Deal to Boost Security

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BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin

Published

2 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Trends Admin

Senate plenary

BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin

The Nigerian Senate has granted President Bola Tinubu approval to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin as part of a regional peacekeeping mission aimed at stabilising the neighbouring country after a recent failed coup attempt.

The Senate said the decision was necessary to safeguard democracy in Benin and prevent a potential influx of refugees through the Nigeria–Benin border should instability escalate.

President Tinubu’s request, contained in a letter dated 8 December 2025, was read during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The President hinged the deployment request on Section 5(5) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers him to seek legislative approval for external military engagement.

When Akpabio subjected the motion to a voice vote, senators unanimously endorsed the request, giving the President full backing to proceed with the mission.

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Akpabio explained that the deployment was made at the formal request of the Benin Republic government, which sought Nigeria’s assistance in restoring stability following a brief takeover attempt by renegade soldiers.

The crisis erupted on Sunday when a group of soldiers announced that they had overthrown President Patrice Talon’s democratically elected government. The coup was swiftly neutralised by Beninese authorities, with the soldiers arrested within hours of their broadcast.

In response to the attempted takeover, President Tinubu had earlier deployed Nigerian military fighter jets in support of Benin’s loyalist forces, helping to secure critical national assets and reinforce regional defence obligations.

The Senate’s approval now provides constitutional backing for the continuation of Nigeria’s military involvement in Benin, marking a significant step in West Africa’s ongoing efforts to counter unconstitutional changes of government.

BREAKING: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request to Deploy Nigerian Troops to Benin

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BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt

Published

3 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

BREAKING: Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval to Deploy Nigerian Troops After Benin Coup Attempt

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the approval of the Nigerian Senate to deploy Nigerian troops to the Republic of Benin following the recent failed coup attempt in the neighbouring country.

The request, conveyed in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary, was made pursuant to Section 5(5) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates Senate consent for external combat deployment. Tinubu said the move followed an official plea from the Beninese government after its security apparatus came under threat.

According to the President, the deployment aligns with Nigeria’s longstanding “ties of friendship and brotherhood” with Benin and reflects the nation’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, stability, and democratic governance in West Africa.

Coup Attempt in Benin and Nigeria’s Response

The crisis erupted when soldiers under the banner of the Military Committee for Refoundation, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, seized the state television station in Cotonou and announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. They declared the dissolution of state institutions and closure of borders.

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In response to a direct request from Benin, Nigeria swiftly deployed fighter jets and ground forces to assist loyalist troops in retaking key installations. The intervention, supported by the ECOWAS Standby Force, helped dislodge the mutineers and restore constitutional order.

Benin’s government later confirmed that the coup attempt had been foiled, with several of the plotters fleeing. The incident occurred as the country prepares for its April 2026 presidential election, sparking renewed concerns about political stability across the sub-region.

Senate Debate and Regional Implications

Tinubu’s request has stirred debate among legal analysts and political commentators. While supporters argue that the President acted within constitutional limits due to the urgency of the situation, critics question whether deploying troops abroad without prior approval is permissible under Nigerian law.

The unfolding situation carries significant implications for ECOWAS security, Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa, and future responses to rising instability across the region. With multiple coups in neighbouring nations in recent years, the swift action in Benin is seen as a renewed effort to deter unconstitutional power grabs.

The Senate is expected to formally deliberate on the President’s request within the constitutionally required timeframe.