Senate has summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, along with the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), to address allegations of terrorist funding linked to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Gatekeepers News reports that the request for an urgent investigation was prompted by a motion introduced by Senator Ali Ndume, highlighting the pressing need to examine these serious claims.
Concerns arose during a plenary session after a viral video featuring U.S. Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of allegedly financing terrorist organizations globally, including Boko Haram.
Senator Ndume pointed out that these accusations follow recent comments from Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, who warned that terrorist groups operating in Nigeria are purportedly receiving both sponsorship and training from international entities.
The shift in U.S. policy under the administration of Donald Trump, which resulted in a freeze on aid funding, has significantly impacted humanitarian efforts. Many aid organisations have reported severe budget cuts, leading to concerns that millions could be adversely affected as programs face suspension.
Trump claimed it’s “run by radical lunatics,” while his ally Elon Musk has described it as a “criminal organisation.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has vowed to put an end to USAID’s “insubordination” as its acting director.
