US Lawmaker Fails to Provide Evidence for USAID-Boko Haram Funding Allegation

Scott Perry, a U.S. congressman, accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of financing terror groups like Boko Haram. However, he has yet to provide any proof to support his claims.

Perry’s Allegation and Controversy

In February, Perry claimed USAID was sending money to terror organizations, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and al-Qaeda. He made these statements during the first session of the Congress’ Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), an advisory body formed under former President Donald Trump. This committee, which aims to cut government spending, has faced criticism for interfering with federal agencies like USAID.

Perry alleged that USAID’s $697 million budget was indirectly funding terrorist training camps and extremist groups. In a widely shared social media video, he said, “Your money, $697 million annually, plus shipments of cash, funds ISIS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and terrorist training camps.” Despite the strong claim, he did not provide any evidence.

Mixed Reactions and Calls for Investigation

Perry’s statements sparked debate in Nigeria, where many people questioned whether USAID was truly funding Boko Haram. The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., dismissed the claim due to a lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Nigerian lawmakers from insurgency-affected states, including Borno and Bauchi, urged the Senate to investigate.

During a Senate session, lawmakers requested a closed-door meeting with security officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and the heads of Nigeria’s intelligence agencies. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, approved their request, leading to further discussions behind closed doors.

The U.S. Embassy’s Response

Shortly after Perry’s remarks, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria posted a cryptic message on social media. It assured the public that all U.S. aid to Nigeria was closely monitored to ensure it reached the right recipients. However, the post did not specify whether the embassy was launching a new probe into USAID’s spending in Nigeria.

Perry’s Failure to Provide Evidence

A U.S.-based Nigerian human rights lawyer, Emmanuel Ogebe, reached out to Perry, asking him to either back up his claims or retract them. In a letter, Ogebe warned that spreading false allegations could endanger American diplomats, Christians, and aid workers in Nigeria. He also filed a petition with the U.S. Department of Justice, urging an investigation into Perry’s claims.

Despite this, Perry failed to provide any proof. Instead, in a response dated March 26, he shifted the focus to what he called “waste, fraud, and abuse” within USAID. He accused the agency of questionable spending, including funding media outlets, sending aid to the Taliban, and supporting projects unrelated to U.S. national security.

Deflecting From the Original Claim

Rather than addressing the Boko Haram funding allegation, Perry listed other concerns about USAID. He claimed the agency spent millions on projects like promoting LGBTQ rights in Serbia, funding electric vehicle charging stations in Vietnam, and even supporting a Sesame Street-style show in Iraq. He called for a deeper investigation into USAID’s spending and emphasized his support for DOGE’s oversight efforts.

While Perry continues to criticize USAID, he has yet to offer proof of his serious claim that the agency funded Boko Haram. For now, his allegations remain unverified, raising concerns about the impact of misinformation on international relations and security.