The United States government has categorically denied allegations that it has been funding Boko Haram, a terrorist organization that has been wreaking havoc in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. The denial was made by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., who described the allegations as false and reiterated the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.

The allegations were initially made by US Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) had been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, to the tune of $697 million annually. However, Ambassador Mills Jr. stated that there was “absolutely no evidence” to support the claim, and that the US government would immediately investigate any evidence of funding being diverted to Boko Haram.

“We stand with the Nigerian government and its people in their fight against terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups,” Ambassador Mills Jr. said. He also noted that the US government had labelled Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, and had policies and procedures in place to prevent USAID funding from being diverted to terrorist groups.

Boko Haram has been causing havoc in North East Nigeria for over 15 years, killing tens of thousands of people and displacing millions. The US government’s denial of funding the group is a welcome development, and its commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism is a positive step towards ending the insurgency.