Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar addressed allegations of USAID’s support for Boko Haram, deeming them unproven. He highlighted ongoing government rehabilitation efforts, praised Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategies as models for others, and called for recognition of Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions in Africa.
At the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series in Abuja, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, addressed allegations regarding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supposedly supporting Boko Haram. He maintained that these allegations lack substantiation and emphasized the Nigerian government’s intention to remain uninvolved in U.S. domestic politics, noting that the claim originated from a political figure.
Minister Tuggar assured the public that despite the allegations, Boko Haram has been significantly weakened. He underscored ongoing government initiatives aimed at rehabilitating and integrating affected individuals, highlighting the Safe Corridor programme in Gombe. This program assesses former militants and offers tailored support based on their level of involvement, including rehabilitation, legal proceedings, and resettlement assistance.
Moreover, Tuggar commended Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly the effectiveness of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has garnered attention as a model for other nations, including Somalia. He remarked on the interest from developed countries in Nigeria’s homegrown counterterrorism strategies, emphasizing that there is much to learn from Nigeria’s approach.
The minister also pointed to Nigeria’s historic contributions to peacekeeping initiatives across Africa, specifically in past missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia. Tuggar urged citizens to acknowledge and appreciate the nation’s achievements in security and diplomacy, calling for a reframing of the perception of Nigeria’s role in peacebuilding efforts in the region.
In summary, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s position regarding unproven allegations against USAID’s support for Boko Haram. He highlighted the nation’s effective counterterrorism strategies, particularly the MNJTF, as exemplary and beneficial to other countries. Additionally, Tuggar advocated for a revised perception of Nigeria’s contributions to African peacekeeping and security initiatives, emphasizing the nation’s capacity for impactful diplomacy.
Original Source: saharareporters.com
