Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has urged the Nigerian government to investigate claims made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) may have funded terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume emphasized that such allegations are too serious to be dismissed outright and warrant a thorough investigation by the government and the National Assembly.
The long-serving lawmaker, who has spent over two decades in the National Assembly, expressed deep concern over the implications of Perry’s claims. He noted that there have been longstanding suspicions that some foreign humanitarian organizations operating in Nigeria’s insurgency-hit North-East region might have indirectly supported terrorist activities.
“This development is very worrisome, especially because one of the terrorist organizations mentioned by Scott Perry is Boko Haram. Boko Haram has not only devastated the North-East but has also attacked other parts of Nigeria,” Ndume said.
“We must not forget that Boko Haram bombed the police headquarters and the UN office in Abuja, causing enormous casualties. The Nigerian government must take this matter seriously.”
He also recalled that Nigerian security agencies had previously raised concerns about the operations of certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the region.
During the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, intelligence reports led to a raid on an office belonging to USAID or the United Nations in Maiduguri. There was another instance when Borno State authorities received intelligence that led to a raid on an NGO allegedly training staff in firearm use.
Ndume questioned the sources of funding for terrorist groups, pointing out that their ability to sustain operations for nearly two decades suggests they have significant financial backing. “We have been wondering for years where these people are getting their money,” he said.
Reflecting on the human toll of the insurgency, he highlighted that millions of people have been displaced and over 50,000 lives have been lost in the North-East states of Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa since the conflict began.
Beyond the immediate security concerns, Ndume also criticized Nigeria’s continued reliance on foreign humanitarian aid. He argued that the country should be self-sufficient and, in fact, providing aid to others rather than depending on external assistance.
“By now, Nigeria should be the one giving out aid, not receiving it,” he asserted. “This should serve as a wake-up call for those in government. We have all the resources we need; the only issue is leadership. We must fix this, tap into our potential, and be self-reliant.”
The senator’s remarks reflect a growing concern over the role of international organizations in conflict zones and underscore the need for greater transparency and oversight in humanitarian aid operations. As the Nigerian government considers its next steps, many will be watching to see whether these claims lead to a broader investigation into the funding sources of insurgent groups.