Terrorism Financing: Senate Summons NSA, DSS Chief Over Allegations Involving USAID

Senate Summons NSA, Intelligence Chiefs Over Terror Financing Allegations Against USAID

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

The decision followed a motion by Senator Ali Ndume, who urged an immediate investigation into claims that USAID has been involved in funding terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

During the plenary session, lawmakers expressed concern over a viral video in which U.S. Congressman Scott Perry accused USAID of financing terrorism globally. This comes shortly after Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned that foreign organizations were sponsoring and training terrorist groups within the country.

The controversy coincides with a shift in U.S. foreign aid policy under President Donald Trump’s administration. Days after Trump reassumed office, USAID-linked NGOs received directives to halt activities funded by the agency, only to receive a follow-up letter a week later allowing limited humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, USAID has faced increasing criticism from U.S. leadership, with President Trump calling the agency “run by radical lunatics” and his ally Elon Musk labeling it a “criminal organization.” Acting USAID Director and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has pledged to enforce stricter oversight and eliminate what he termed “insubordination” within the agency.

International NGOs have warned that the suspension of aid programs could significantly impact humanitarian efforts and weaken U.S. influence in global affairs.