Former Minister of External Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has made startling allegations against the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), claiming it was involved in supplying arms and funding to the terrorist group Boko Haram.

His revelation follows recent remarks by US Congressman Scott Perry, who alleged during a congressional hearing that USAID had supported terrorist organisations abroad using American taxpayers’ money. The claim has sparked widespread outrage in Nigeria, prompting Senator Ali Ndume, a prominent lawmaker from Borno State, to call for an investigation.

Speaking on The Morning Show, a breakfast programme on Arise News Television, Akinyemi, who now chairs the Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), shed light on disturbing reports from communities affected by Boko Haram. He cited testimonies from local residents who claimed that helicopters piloted by “white men” had delivered weapons and cash to the militants under the cover of darkness.

“I served on the presidential committee on Boko Haram, and villagers repeatedly told us that helicopters flown by white people would land at night, offloading weapons, supplies, and money to these terrorists. These villagers had no reason to fabricate such claims. At the time, we assumed these individuals were French, but Perry’s statement now clarifies the true source of this foreign involvement.”

Akinyemi recalled how the committee, established under former President Goodluck Jonathan, had initially believed that France was responsible for these activities. However, Perry’s disclosure now points to US involvement. He suggested that the overarching aim was to destabilise Nigeria.

He further alleged that the Obama administration’s refusal to sell weapons to Nigeria on human rights grounds was a strategic move. “We attempted to procure arms from South Africa, yet someone tipped off the South African authorities, leading to the confiscation of our funds. Who provided this intelligence? Clearly, it was a powerful entity with access to critical information.”

Akinyemi also claimed that the Nigerian military had been infiltrated, stating that soldiers were sometimes ordered to stand down despite having Boko Haram fighters in their sights. “Our soldiers confided in us. They would have terrorists in their crosshairs, yet superior officers would order them not to fire. This indicates a deliberate effort to weaken our security forces.”

He further alluded to Nigerian officials who allegedly collaborated with foreign entities, warning that certain political figures had engaged with the US State Department and the White House without proper authorisation from the Nigerian government.

“Some Nigerians facilitated high-level engagements with US officials, bypassing protocol. We had an ambassador in Washington who, before his passing, documented their activities. These individuals, including some state governors, had deep ties with the US government.”

The allegations have reignited concerns over foreign interference in Nigeria’s security affairs, with calls for a comprehensive investigation into USAID’s role in the conflict.