SERAP, HEDA, 70 groups urge Generals to withdraw NGO terrorism claims
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), Yiaga Africa, and 70 other civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have strongly condemned allegations made by unnamed military generals and commanders accusing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of supporting terrorist activities in the country.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the CSOs expressed deep concern over what they termed “inflammatory and unfounded claims,” as reported on January 16, 2025.
The article, titled “Why Boko Haram, Bandits Thrive: How NGOs, Others Aid Terrorists — Former Generals, Commanders,” alleged that NGOs operating in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of Nigeria were covertly funding and supporting terrorists.
The civil society groups emphasized that these unsubstantiated accusations unjustly target and stigmatize NGOs that have been crucial in addressing the urgent needs of communities suffering from insurgency and banditry.
They criticized the claims as not only reckless but also counterproductive, noting that the focus should be on tackling the systemic issues fueling terrorism, rather than wrongly blaming organizations that have been actively filling the gap left by the Nigerian state.
The CSOs pointed out that NGOs have been tirelessly working to provide essential assistance to vulnerable populations, such as displaced persons and residents in conflict zones.
For nearly two decades, NGOs in the North-East have been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, offering medical care, education, food aid, and psychological support to millions displaced by Boko Haram and other militant groups.
These organizations operate under strict legal and regulatory frameworks, adhering to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML). These measures ensure NGOs’ compliance with international standards and prevent any involvement in illicit activities.
The CSOs also referred to the United Nations’ repeated calls for the protection of humanitarian actors in conflict zones, specifically referencing UN General Assembly Resolution 72/284, which urges states to ensure that counter-terrorism measures do not impede humanitarian work.
They stressed that blocking humanitarian efforts in such regions endangers the lives of vulnerable populations and violates the right to life.
In conclusion, the CSOs condemned the baseless accusations, which they argue could jeopardize the safety of humanitarian workers and worsen the ongoing crisis.
They highlighted that despite unprecedented challenges, including attacks on NGO workers and damaging narratives against them, these organizations continue their critical work in some of Nigeria’s most dangerous areas. The statement called the smear campaign a disservice to Nigeria and urged a focus on long-term peace and stability.
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