Richard Mills, the US ambassador to Nigeria, has denied that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funds Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in Nigeria.
Mills spoke to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday following a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
The envoy stated that the US opposes the insurgency and pledged his country’s support in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.
“The United States categorically rejects any claims that it funds Boko Haram or any terrorist organisation in Nigeria,” Mills said.
“We stand with the Nigerian government and its people in their fight against terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups.”
Scott Perry, a Republican congressman from the United States, accused USAID of sponsoring terror groups such as Boko Haram.
Boko Haram’s assault against the Nigerian state began in 2009. The insurgency has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, particularly in the northeast region.
USAID has been involved in humanitarian aid, stabilisation operations, and assistance to displaced people in the region.
Perry’s accusations have aroused controversy among Nigerians, with some dismissing them as conspiracy theories.
On February 19, the Senate called security and intelligence chiefs to testify about the claims.
Meanwhile, the Borno Elders Forum has asked USAID and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to leave the state.
Bulama Gubio, the forum’s secretary, urged the Nigerian government to allow US authorities to investigate the claims thoroughly.
“I raised concerns about the sinister activities of NGOs in Borno state as far back as 2014,” Gubio said.
“I was invited to Abuja and detained for questioning. It took the intervention of Borno elders to bail me out.”
