By Ephraim Agbo
Welcome to Global Lens: Asking the Big Questions—where we dive deep into the biggest global issues. Today, we’re tackling a bombshell claim that has sparked heated debates:
Is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funding Boko Haram and other terrorist groups?
This isn’t just conspiracy talk. It’s a question raised on the floor of the U.S. Congress by Scott Perry, a Republican lawmaker who claims that some of the $697 million in USAID funds may have ended up in the hands of terrorist organizations.
So, what’s really going on here? Is this just political noise, or is there something deeper that the world needs to pay attention to?
Let’s break it all down.
The Explosive Allegations: How Did This Start?
On February 14, 2025, during a House hearing, Congressman Scott Perry made a shocking claim:
“USAID is funding terrorism. Our tax dollars—money meant for humanitarian aid—are being funneled to groups like ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram.”
His argument? In war-torn regions like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and parts of Africa, USAID funds have been diverted, either through corruption, bribery, or outright theft by extremist groups.
The claim is serious. If true, it means that money meant to build schools, support displaced families, and provide medical aid is instead fueling terror and violence.
Could USAID money really be making its way to terrorist groups?
How Would This Even Happen? The 4 Key Risks
While there’s no hard evidence (yet) that USAID is directly funding terrorists, experts warn that international aid programs in conflict zones are extremely vulnerable. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Corrupt Middlemen: USAID works with local NGOs and contractors. If these partners aren’t properly vetted, funds can be stolen or “taxed” by militant groups.
2️⃣ Extortion & Bribes: In areas controlled by extremists, businesses and NGOs often have to pay off armed groups just to operate.
3️⃣ Aid Seizures: Boko Haram has a history of hijacking food supplies, medicine, and resources meant for refugees—and then using them to win local support or sell for cash.
4️⃣ Fake NGOs: Extremist groups have been known to set up fake charities to receive international funding. They look legitimate on paper but are actually fronts for laundering money into terrorist operations.
This isn’t just speculation. Terrorist organizations worldwide have been caught exploiting humanitarian aid for years. So while there is no evidence yet that USAID is intentionally funding extremists, it is equally a big concern if their monitoring and oversight are not strong enough to prevent it.
USAID Fires Back: ‘We Are Not Funding Terrorism’
USAID quickly denied Perry’s claims, arguing that their funding process includes:
✔ Strict Screening & Vetting – All organizations receiving funds go through extensive background checks.
✔ Third-Party Audits – Independent watchdogs monitor spending and financial records.
✔ Counterterrorism Compliance – USAID trains local partners to recognize and avoid terrorist infiltration.
Their response is clear: We are not carelessly handing out money.
But here’s the challenge—no matter how strong USAID’s security measures may be, in regions rife with corruption, weak governance, and active insurgencies, exploitation isn’t just a risk—it’s almost inevitable.
And Boko Haram? They’re experts at this game.
Boko Haram’s Long History of Exploiting Humanitarian Aid
If you think extremist groups don’t care about international aid, think again. Boko Haram has been manipulating, stealing, and repurposing aid for years.
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Targeting NGOs: Aid workers have been kidnapped, murdered, or forced to pay bribes just to deliver food and medical supplies.
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Hijacking Relief Materials: Food meant for starving refugees? Boko Haram has intercepted and redistributed it—sometimes branding it as their own aid to gain public favor.
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Using Propaganda: The group has spread fear and misinformation, telling locals that Western aid is a tool of “corrupt foreign powers” trying to destroy Islam.
This isn’t a theory—it’s been well-documented by humanitarian organizations and security agencies.
So, if USAID money is even remotely at risk of being intercepted or misused, it’s a legitimate concern.
What’s at Stake? The Bigger Picture
If Perry’s allegations turn out to be even partially true, the consequences could be massive:
1️⃣ Stricter Aid Regulations: U.S. lawmakers might demand tougher restrictions, slowing down the delivery of aid to actual victims.
2️⃣ Cuts to USAID’s Budget: Congress could reduce USAID funding altogether, impacting humanitarian efforts worldwide.
3️⃣ Strained U.S.-Africa Relations: If the U.S. government suspects misuse of funds, it could hurt diplomatic ties with nations struggling with terrorism.
4️⃣ Propaganda Win for Extremists: If groups like Boko Haram can use these allegations to discredit Western aid, it might push more vulnerable communities into their arms.
This isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a global security issue.
So, What’s the Verdict?
At this point, there’s no hard evidence proving that USAID has directly funded Boko Haram. But there’s also enough risk and history of aid exploitation to justify asking tough questions:
- Are USAID’s monitoring and vetting processes really as strong as they claim?
- Is more transparency needed in how international aid is handled in conflict zones?
- Could USAID unknowingly be fueling the very terror it’s trying to fight?
- Is USAID directly funding extremists
One thing is clear: This is not a debate we can afford to ignore.
What’s Next?
For now, USAID is holding its ground, but expect more investigations, more scrutiny, and possibly tighter aid restrictions moving forward.
So, what do you think? Is this a real crisis, or is it political drama? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
Stay sharp. Stay informed. See you in the next edition of Global Lens: Asking the Big Questions.
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