The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has dismissed claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is funding Boko Haram or any other terrorist group in Nigeria.

Mills made this statement after a meeting with the Nigeria Governors Forum in Abuja on Wednesday. He assured Nigerians that the US remains committed to fighting terrorism and has never supported Boko Haram.

The ambassador stressed that the US has always opposed Boko Haram’s violent activities. In 2013, the US officially classified Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization.

This classification allowed the US to block the group’s access to financial assets and take action against its members. Mills also highlighted that the US government works closely with Nigerian authorities to investigate terrorism-related issues.

Mills assured that USAID and other US government agencies have strict policies to prevent funds from being misused by terrorist groups.

He stated that if any evidence of USAID funds being diverted to Boko Haram is found, the US government would work with Nigerian authorities to address the issue immediately.

On February 13, US Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID was funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

Speaking during a government hearing, Perry claimed that US funds were reaching groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram. His statement sparked debates about USAID’s role in Nigeria.

In response to these allegations, the Nigerian Senate has called on top security officials, including National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the claims.

Despite the concerns raised, Ambassador Mills reassured Nigerians that there is no proof of USAID funding Boko Haram and emphasized the US government’s continued support in the fight against terrorism.