Civil society organizations (CSOs) across Nigeria have strongly refuted claims made by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force, accusing NGOs in conflict-affected regions of covertly supporting terrorism. The allegations, published in Vanguard Newspapers on January 16, 2025, have sparked widespread condemnation for what CSOs describe as an inflammatory and baseless attack on their integrity.
The CSOs assert that such accusations detract from addressing the systemic challenges fueling terrorism, including poverty, corruption, and inefficiencies in defense spending. For nearly two decades, NGOs have been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced and vulnerable Nigerians, particularly in the North-East.
Operating under strict regulatory frameworks, such as anti-money laundering laws enforced by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML), NGOs emphasize their compliance with national and international standards.
They cite United Nations resolutions, including 72/284, which urge governments to ensure counter-terrorism measures do not impede humanitarian efforts. The organizations warn that such allegations could endanger aid workers and undermine public trust in civil society, further exacerbating insecurity in Nigeria.
The CSOs call on the Nigerian government to focus on addressing root causes of terrorism and work collaboratively with NGOs to build peace and development. They demand that inflammatory rhetoric targeting civil society be replaced with actionable policies that strengthen national security while upholding human rights and international humanitarian law.
Signed by over 70 prominent organizations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, BudgIT Foundation, and Connected Development (CODE), the statement underscores the vital role of civil society in countering violent extremism and supporting Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
