The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills has said there is no proof to suggest that the United States Agency for International Development, USAID is funding Boko Haram or any other terrorist group in Nigeria.
Addressing newsmen after meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja, Richard assured that if any evidence is found that USAID is funding Boko Haram or any terrorist group in Nigeria, the US government will collaborate with the Nigerian government to investigate the matter.
He stated that the United States is the strongest ally to Nigeria in condemning Boko Haram’s violence and disregard for human life, stressing that the US cooperates with the Nigerian government in investigations and affirming that there are strict policies and procedures in place to ensure that USAID funding, is not redirected to terrorist groups such as Boko Haram.
Recall that on February 13, a United States Congressman, Scott Perry, had during the first hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency accused USAID of funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, a claim which triggered a wide range of reactions regarding USAID’s role in Nigeria and around the world.