Summons Ribadu, Heads of NIA, DSS, Others
The Senate has launched an investigation into allegations that funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) are being used to support terrorist activities, including those of Boko Haram.
Following a motion by former Majority Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, the Senate resolved to invite key security officials, including, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Director, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed and Head of the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Major General Emmanuel Undiandeye
The probe follows allegations by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, who claimed during a recent U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing that USAID has been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged lawmakers to follow due process and await briefings from Nigeria’s security agencies before taking further action. He also warned against relying on unverified reports circulating on social media.
Leading the debate, Senator Ndume emphasized the gravity of the allegation, especially in light of recent concerns raised by Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, about foreign sponsorship of Boko Haram.
“Over the years, Boko Haram’s operations and funding sources have remained a mystery,” Ndume said. “The devastation they have caused—bombing the UN building in 2011, attacking the police headquarters in Abuja, and killing thousands—has led to mass displacement and tarnished Nigeria’s image globally.”
He called for the federal government to establish an inter-ministerial committee comprising the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs, along with security agencies, to investigate the claims and recommend appropriate actions.
Additionally, he proposed forming a Senate ad hoc committee, including members from committees on Judiciary, Defense, National Security, and Foreign Affairs, to liaise with authorities and assess the allegations.
Supporting the motion, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) argued that a full debate on the issue in plenary would be inadequate. He suggested summoning security heads for a closed-door session instead.
“The Senate needs to be briefed first by our security agencies before any further steps are taken,” Ningi said.
Senate President Akpabio agreed, reiterating that much of what appears on social media is unreliable.
“When I read this issue on social media, I was skeptical. Social media is often filled with misinformation and speculation,” Akpabio stated. “We must hear directly from our intelligence agencies before drawing conclusions.”
The Senate adopted the amended resolution to summon security officials, although no date has been set for their appearance.