Senate Summons NSA, NIA, DIA Chiefs Over USAID Terror Financing Allegations

ABUJA – The Nigerian Senate has summoned National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, along with the heads of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), to address allegations of terrorist financing involving the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The call for a thorough investigation was prompted by a motion raised by Senator Ali Ndume, who expressed concerns over a viral video in which U.S. Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of financing terrorist groups, including Boko Haram. Ndume highlighted that this claim follows an alarm raised by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, about the involvement of international organizations in sponsoring and training terrorist groups within the country.

The allegations come amid global scrutiny of USAID’s activities, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s return to power. The freeze on aid funding under his administration has had significant impacts, with humanitarian organizations linked to USAID facing severe budget cuts and fears that millions of people will be affected by suspended programs.

On January 24, just days after Trump resumed office, NGOs connected to USAID received a directive to halt activities funded by the agency. A subsequent letter authorized certain life-saving humanitarian missions to resume, but the terms remained vague, leaving NGOs uncertain about their future.

Trump’s administration has sharply criticized USAID, with the President referring to it as “run by radical lunatics” and Elon Musk, his ally, labeling it a “criminal organization.” These developments have raised alarms about the erosion of U.S. influence globally, as NGOs warn of the detrimental effects on their work.

The Senate’s investigation into these serious claims underscores growing concerns over international funding and the ongoing battle against terrorism in Nigeria.