International NGOs Complicit In Boko Haram Activities In North-East Nigeria – CALSER

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER) in its report on Tuesday, accused some international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) of unlawfully aiding Boko Haram/ISWAP activities in North-East, Nigeria.

Executive Director of CALSER, David Idoko, who signed the report, said instead of providing humanitarian assistance to victims of the Boko Haram crisis, these INGOs bolster and encourage the carnage being perpetrated by the terrorist sect.

The centre raised alarm over the number of INGOs in operation in the North-East under different names.

According to CALSER, there is multiple evidence that funds from the coffers of these INGOs – most of which come from Francophone countries – end up in the hands of terrorists.

The centre did not, however mention the name of any INGO found culpable in their allegation.

Furthermore, the centre noted that while some of these groups divert food and other relief items meant for the IDPs to the camp of the Boko Haram terrorists, others provide them with medical services.

More baffling, though, the centre disclosed that certain INGOs engage in propaganda on behalf of the Boko Haram group, especially when they come under heavy bombardment from the Nigerian troops.

Among others, however, CALSER urged relevant authorities to compel international NGOs operating in the North-East to disclose their sources of funding as well as their mission.

It added that INGOs that have operated for more than five years and made no significant impact in tandem with their mission should be expelled from the country.

Meanwhile, those found to be aiding and abetting the activities of Boko Haram terrorists should be proscribed and expelled from the country with immediate effect.

Recall that the Nigerian military, had in 2019, shut down the offices of some INGOs in the North East over their alleged support to the insurgents group.