The United States government has firmly denied allegations that it has funded Boko Haram, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., refuted the claim during an interview following a closed-door session with the 36 state governors in Abuja.
His response was prompted by remarks from U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) had provided financial support to terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
Perry, a Republican representative from Pennsylvania, made the accusation during a congressional hearing, claiming that nearly $697 million in U.S. aid was being funneled into terrorist organizations.
However, Ambassador Mills strongly dismissed the claim, stating that there is no evidence to support such an assertion. He assured that if any proof of misappropriation surfaced, the U.S. government would immediately investigate in collaboration with Nigerian authorities.
“The United States stands with Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram,” Mills affirmed. “Since 2013, we have designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization, which enables us to prevent financial transactions, apprehend members, and collaborate on counterterrorism efforts with Nigerian officials.”
Mills reiterated that the U.S. has strict measures in place to ensure that its aid—whether through USAID, the Department of Defense, or the State Department—is not diverted to terrorist groups.
He also stressed America’s strong condemnation of Boko Haram’s violence and commitment to helping Nigeria combat extremism.
