Civil Society Organizations Condemn Allegations Linking NGOs to Terrorism
Maryam Aminu
A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has strongly refuted claims made by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force, as reported in Vanguard Newspapers on January 16, 2025.
The report alleged that some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Nigeria’s North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions covertly sponsor and fund terrorist activities.
In a joint statement signed by over 70 NGOs, the coalition condemned the accusations, describing them as inflammatory, baseless, and harmful to the critical work being done by civil society in conflict-affected areas.
The CSOs warned that such allegations could stigmatize the NGO sector and hinder its ability to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.
The statement emphasized the indispensable role of civil society in countering violent extremism and supporting vulnerable communities. Over the past two decades, NGOs in Nigeria’s conflict zones have provided life-saving humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support to millions of displaced persons. These efforts, they noted, are governed by strict regulatory frameworks, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by agencies such as the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The CSOs further highlighted that a civilian-led approach, which engages communities and civil society, is globally recognized as an effective strategy for preventing terrorism.
They criticized attempts to scapegoat NGOs, arguing that it diverts attention from systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and inefficiencies in defense spending, which allow terrorism to thrive.
The coalition urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to focus on disrupting terrorist funding and logistics networks while enhancing intelligence gathering and operational capacity.
It also called for constructive engagement with NGOs to address the underlying causes of insecurity and to ensure the protection of humanitarian actors working in challenging environments.
Referencing the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 72/284, the CSOs reminded the government of its obligation to respect international humanitarian law, including the protection of impartial medical care for all, regardless of affiliation.
They warned that restricting humanitarian operations or maligning NGOs undermines trust in state authorities and deepens the crisis.
The CSOs demanded that the Nigerian government:
Address the root causes of terrorism, including poverty, inequality, and corruption.
They called on the government to strengthen efforts to disrupt terrorist logistics and funding networks.
They further urge that the government Protect and support NGOs to enhance their role in peacebuilding and development.
As the nation commemorates Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the CSOs reiterated the need for leadership and unity to overcome the challenges of insecurity.
They urged caution against inflammatory statements that could incite attacks on humanitarian actors, stressing that Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy must strengthen, not weaken, civil society.
