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The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into allegations that U.S. foreign aid may have indirectly funded terrorist groups in Nigeria.
The move follows claims by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged during a congressional hearing that $697 million in U.S. funds had been linked to activities involving Boko Haram, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and other terrorist organizations.
In response, the House established a Special Committee to probe the allegations and directed its Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Inter-Governmental Affairs to scrutinize the operations of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Nigeria, including their sources of funding and financial activities.
Lawmakers also urged the Federal Government to engage with the U.S. Government through the Foreign Affairs Committee for a formal clarification on the matter.
The resolutions stemmed from a motion of urgent public importance raised by Rep. Inuwa Garba, who underscored concerns that unverified funding streams could compromise Nigeria’s national security.
Rep. Garba noted that many Nigerians have expressed worries about the activities of certain NGOs, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where military presence is limited.
“With Boko Haram’s stronghold in Northern Nigeria, it is reasonable to assume that the group may have benefited significantly from this funding, as alleged by Scott Perry,” he stated.
He warned that if the allegations were true, they could pose grave national and international security risks, raising questions about external influences on Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. He emphasized that insurgency has cost thousands of lives, displaced millions, and led to widespread destruction of property.
“The failure to uncover the truth behind this serious allegation could embolden criminal and terrorist elements, worsening the security challenges confronting the country,” the motion read.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Legislative Compliance, National Security and Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations, and Defence to ensure compliance and report back to the plenary in four weeks for further legislative action.
