FBI Launches Probe Into Diversion of USAID Funds in Nigeria, a Year After US Congressman Scott Perry Claimed Funds Were Used to Sponsor Terrorism
nullSep 11, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have commenced a joint investigation into the alleged diversion and mismanagement of funds provided under United States Government-supported programmes in Nigeria.
The investigation follows concerns over funds left with organisations implementing programmes supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly those involved in HIV and tuberculosis interventions.
The development comes about a year after US Congressman Scott Perry raised allegations that USAID funds had been used to support terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.
The FBI delegation, led by Marcus Maccain, Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché, visited the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC on Thursday to strengthen cooperation between both agencies.
Maccain said the engagement was aimed at investigating alleged financial irregularities involving organisations that received funds under USAID-supported programmes before some of the programmes were shut down by the United States Government in 2025.
He said concerns had emerged over the management of funds that remained with implementing organisations after the programmes were discontinued.
Jeremy Kennon, Special Agent with the Office of Inspector General, Department of State, said subsequent reviews had also uncovered concerns over inflated budgets and other financial irregularities in Kano State and several other states.
Kennon said the United States was interested in establishing a long-term working relationship with the EFCC, including reciprocal intelligence and information sharing.
Responding, Acting Zonal Director of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Bawa Usman Kaltungo, assured the delegation that the Commission would investigate the allegations and trace the movement of the funds to their ultimate beneficiaries.
Kaltungo said investigators would determine how the money was spent, whether it was used for the purposes for which it was provided and whether any portion was mismanaged or diverted following the cancellation of the programmes.
He added that the investigation would cover all states where the affected organisations and programmes operated, with the EFCC working alongside the FBI to follow the financial trail and establish the facts.
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