Boko Haram: Senate summons security chiefs over alleged USAID terrorism claims

The Nigerian Senate has summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate allegations made by United States Congressman Perry Scott, who claimed that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.

The resolution followed an Order of Urgent National Security raised under Order 41 by Senator Mohammed Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District.

Ndume urged the Senate to take the allegations seriously, citing the devastating impact of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly from Boko Haram.

He emphasized that a thorough investigation would help clarify how non-state actors have managed to sustain their activities for years.

The heads of security and intelligence agencies summoned by the Senate include the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Department of State Services, and the National Security Adviser.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio endorsed the resolution but stressed that security matters are best handled behind closed doors. He noted that intelligence chiefs would provide the Senate with a clearer perspective in a private briefing.

Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), a co-sponsor of the motion, proposed an amendment stating that security chiefs should first brief senators in a closed-door session.

Ningi said, “At this point, whatever is written here is relevant. However, it is almost impossible to do justice to the issues raised in this motion in an open debate.

“We do not need an elaborate discussion on this matter; we need to be briefed by security agencies first in a closed-door session.

“Let’s focus on one key action inviting the NSA, the DG of NIA, and the DSS for a confidential session with the Senate on this matter. This is their duty; this is what they are funded to do.

“With the security chiefs’ briefing, we can proceed based on the facts they provide.”