“Nigeria Senate to Expose USAID’s Alleged Terrorist Links”
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, the Nigerian Senate summoned the heads of various security and intelligence agencies to investigate serious allegations made by U.S. Congressman Perry Scott. Scott claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, in Nigeria.
The resolution followed an Order of Urgent National Security raised by Senator Mohammed Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, under Order 41. Ndume urged the Senate to treat the allegations with the utmost seriousness, citing the devastating consequences of Boko Haram’s terrorist activities in Nigeria. He called for a thorough investigation to dispel any doubts surrounding how non-state actors continue to fund and sustain their operations.
The officials summoned include the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Chief of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the National Security Adviser (NSA). Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the resolution but emphasized that matters involving national security are best handled privately. He assured that the intelligence chiefs would provide a clearer picture in a closed-door briefing.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), a co-sponsor of the motion, proposed an amendment, suggesting that security chiefs first brief the Senate in a confidential session. He argued that an open debate wouldn’t be suitable given the sensitivity of the allegations. “We don’t need an elaborate discussion right now; let’s first be briefed privately by the security agencies,” he said.
The Senate agreed to Ningi’s proposal and scheduled a private session with the intelligence chiefs to gather detailed information before any public discussion takes place.
