A coalition of 73 civil society organizations (CSOs) has strongly condemned allegations made by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force, as reported in Vanguard Newspapers on January 16, 2025. The inflammatory claims, accusing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Nigeria’s North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of aiding terrorism, have been described as baseless and harmful to efforts to combat insecurity.
The article, titled “Why Boko Haram, Bandits Thrive: How NGOs, Others Aid Terrorists — Former Generals, Commanders,” accused NGOs of providing covert sponsorship to terrorists. However, the CSOs have refuted these claims, labeling them as an unjustified smear against organizations that provide critical humanitarian support in conflict-affected regions.
In a joint statement, the signatories emphasized that NGOs in Nigeria operate under strict regulatory frameworks, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws. They argued that such unfounded accusations divert attention from systemic failures that allow terrorism to thrive, including poverty, inequality, corruption, and porous borders.
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“For nearly two decades, NGOs in the North-East have delivered life-saving humanitarian aid, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced and vulnerable Nigerians. These activities are carried out without any intent for profit, under strict oversight, and often at great personal risk,” the statement read.
The organizations also highlighted the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 72/284, which urges states to ensure that counter-terrorism measures do not impede humanitarian activities. They cautioned that such allegations could jeopardize the safety of aid workers and deepen Nigeria’s security crisis.
The statement called on the Nigerian government and military to focus on disrupting terrorist networks rather than targeting civil society. The CSOs also urged authorities to engage constructively with NGOs to address the root causes of insecurity, emphasizing that civil society plays a critical role in preventing violent extremism.
The signatories include prominent organizations such as Amnesty International Nigeria, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Connected Development (CODE), BudgIT Foundation, and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP).
“Inflammatory statements like these are a disservice to Nigerians and undermine the principles of accountability and justice,” the coalition warned.
As Nigeria marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the CSOs reiterated their commitment to supporting conflict-affected communities and called for a unified approach to overcoming the nation’s security challenges.
