Ex-JTF commander exposes those behind Nigeria’s insecurity

Retired Joint Task Force (JTF) Commander Isma’il Tanko Wudilawa has reacted to claims by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is allegedly funding terrorist activities worldwide, including in Nigeria.

According to reports, Perry, a Republican representative from Pennsylvania, accused USAID of financing terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda.

He made the claims during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, stating that “$697 million annually, plus shipments of cash, fund Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, ISIS Khorasan, and terrorist training camps.”

USAID has recently faced increased scrutiny, particularly from former President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, over allegations of mismanagement and misuse of U.S. taxpayer funds.

Speaking to Daily Post in Kano, Wudilawa expressed deep concerns about foreign influence in Nigeria’s security crisis.

He pointed out that Boko Haram fighters possess advanced military training and sophisticated weaponry that, he argued, could only be acquired through external support.

“The weapons used by terrorists in the forests are not supplied by the Nigerian government. They have sophisticated arms that even our security forces do not possess,” he stated.

Wudilawa further alleged that captured insurgents have been found with foreign currencies and that helicopters suspected of supplying weapons to terrorist groups have been sighted multiple times.

He urged the Nigerian government and citizens to remain vigilant and patriotic, calling on residents to report any suspicious activities to security agencies. He also emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect the lives and sovereignty of Nigerians.