US Congressman Scott Perry Alleges USAID Funded Boko Haram Attacks in West Africa

U.S. Congressman Scott Perry has accused the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) of financing the terrorist group Boko Haram. The allegations were made at the inaugural session of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, focusing on the misuse of taxpayer funds.

Perry, a Republican representative from Pennsylvania, claimed that USAID’s funding, which totals $697 million annually, has inadvertently supported terrorist training camps across several African nations. He specifically mentioned Boko Haram’s activities in Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, and Chad, where the group has been responsible for numerous terror attacks.

“Who gets some of that money? Does that name ring a bell to anybody in the room? Because your money, your money, $697 million annually, plus the shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, terrorist training camps. That’s what it’s funding,” Perry stated, questioning the accountability and oversight of USAID’s operations.

The congressman’s remarks have sparked a significant debate about the effectiveness and oversight of U.S. foreign aid programs. Critics argue that such allegations, if proven true, could have profound implications for international relations, U.S. foreign policy, and the fight against terrorism in Africa.

Boko Haram, known for its insurgency since 2009, has caused widespread devastation, including mass bombings, kidnappings, and village raids, particularly in northeastern Nigeria, but extending its terror across borders into Chad, Niger, and Cameroon. The group’s most notorious acts include the 2014 abduction of over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok and numerous deadly attacks in urban and rural areas.

Perry‘s claims align with previous criticisms from high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has advocated for USAID’s closure citing corruption. Elon Musk, recently appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency under Trump, has similarly lambasted USAID, labeling it as a “viper’s nest of radical-left Marxists” and alleging it has engaged in “rogue operations.”

These accusations come when USAID is under intense scrutiny, with its operations reportedly suspended pending further investigation into its financial dealings. Security analysts in Nigeria call for a thorough audit to trace every dollar USAID has invested in the region, questioning the integrity of aid programs intended to support education, health, and counter-terrorism efforts.