The Nigerian Senate has summoned top intelligence and security chiefs to investigate claims made by US Congressman Perry Scott that the United States Agency for International Development has been financing terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
The decision came after Senator Mohammed Ndume (Borno South) raised the issue under an Order of Urgent National Security during Wednesday’s plenary session.
Ndume urged lawmakers to take the allegation seriously, highlighting the destruction caused by Boko Haram and the need to uncover how non-state actors continue to operate despite counterterrorism efforts.
“We cannot ignore such a serious allegation, especially given the devastation these terrorists have caused. A thorough investigation is necessary to put an end to speculation about their sources of funding,” he stated.
Following this, the Senate summoned heads of key security agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Department of State Services, and the National Security Adviser.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the resolution but emphasized that security matters should be handled discreetly.
“This is a sensitive issue, and intelligence chiefs must provide us with a clearer understanding in a closed-door briefing,” Akpabio said.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), co-sponsor of the motion, proposed an amendment to prioritize a confidential briefing by security agencies before any public discussion.
“At this point, whatever is written is relevant. However, it is almost impossible to do justice to the issues raised in this motion in an open debate,” Ningi argued.
He added, “Let’s focus on one key action—inviting the NSA, the DG of NIA, and the DSS for a confidential session with the Senate on this matter. This is their duty; this is what they are funded to do.”
The Senate is expected to schedule the briefing soon, after which further actions will be determined based on the intelligence reports provided.
