74 CSOs decry allegations linking NGOs to terrorism in Nigeria
A coalition of 74 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has condemned recent accusations by NGOs of aiding terrorism in Nigeria.
The groups described the allegations as baseless and damaging to the critical work of NGOs, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and banditry.
This was disclosed in a statement on Monday signed by the organizations, including Amnesty International Nigeria, CISLAC, BudgIT Foundation, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Connected Development (CODE), SERAP, Media Rights Agenda and AFRICMIL among others
The statement criticized claims made by an unnamed former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) of the Nigerian Air Force, published in Vanguard Newspapers on January 16, 2025, under the headline “Why Boko Haram, Bandits Thrive: How NGOs, Others Aid Terrorists — Former Generals, Commanders.“
The organizations said the allegations, which accused NGOs in the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions of covertly supporting terrorism, are inflammatory and a distraction from addressing the real causes of insecurity in the country.
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They emphasized that NGOs are playing an indispensable role in mitigating the impact of insurgency by providing food, healthcare, education, and psychosocial support to millions of vulnerable Nigerians.
The coalition further noted that NGOs operate under strict regulatory frameworks, including anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws enforced by the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
They described the accusations as an attempt to undermine the credibility of organizations working to fill gaps left by the state in conflict-affected areas.
In the statement, the groups highlighted the importance of civil society in counterterrorism efforts.
They argued that civilian-led approaches are essential for preventing violent extremism and fostering constructive engagement with affected communities.
They cited the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 72/284, which urges states to ensure that counter-terrorism measures do not impede humanitarian activities or violate international humanitarian norms.
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The coalition expressed concerns that such unverified accusations could erode public trust in NGOs and incite attacks on humanitarian workers.
They warned that this could further exacerbate the country’s insecurity challenges and undermine efforts to alleviate the suffering of conflict-affected communities.
The organizations reaffirmed their commitment to serving vulnerable populations despite the risks and called on the Nigerian government to prioritize addressing systemic issues such as poverty, corruption, and inefficiencies in defense spending.
They stressed that effective counter-terrorism strategies should strengthen, not weaken, civil society’s role in promoting peace and development.
As the country commemorates Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the coalition urged caution against inflammatory statements that target NGOs, describing such actions as a disservice to the principles of accountability and justice.
The signatories reiterated their dedication to advancing peace and stability in Nigeria, despite the challenging environment.
Signatories
The CSOs that signed the statement are:
21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth Initiative
Abuja School of Social and Political Thought
Accountability Lab, Nigeria
Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)
African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD)
African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)
Amnesty International Nigeria
Borno Coalition for Democracy and Progress (BOCODEP)
BudgIT Foundation
Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Public Integrity
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)
Centre for Community Empowerment in Conflict and Peacebuilding – Kaduna
Centre for Democratic Research and Training (CRDDERT)
Centre for Global Tolerance and Human Rights
Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)
Centre LSD
Centre for Social Centre for Justice Reform
Centre for Transparency Watch
Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)
CLEEN Foundation
Community Life Project (CLP)
Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR)
Connected Development (CODE)
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA)
EIE Nigeria
Elixir Trust Foundation
Emma Ezeazu Centre for Good Governance and Accountability
Environmental Rights Action
Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth, Nigeria (ERA)
Falana and Falana’s Chambers
Global Rights
Good Governance Team
Goodluck Jonathan Foundation
Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF)
Hope Behind Bars Africa
Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre)
Human Rights Social Development and Environmental Foundation
INVICTUS AFRICA
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
Lawyers Alert
Media Initiative for Transparency in Extractive Industries (MITEI)
Media Rights Agenda
Mothers and Marginalized Advocacy Centre (MAMA Centre)
Nigeria Network of NGOs
Open Society on Justice Reform Project
Order Paper
Organization for Community Civic Engagement (OCCEN)
Paradigm Initiative Nigeria
Partners West Africa
Policy Alert
Praxis
Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA)
Procurement Observation and Advocacy Initiative
Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)
Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED)
RULAAC – Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre
Say NO Campaign – Nigeria
Say No Campaign
Sesor Empowerment Foundation
Social Action
Socio-Economic Research and Development Centre
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)
State of the Union (SOTU)
Tax Justice and Governance Platform
Transition Monitoring Group (TMG)
West Africa Civil Society Forum (WASCSOF)
Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC)
Women in Media Communication Initiative (WIM)
Women in Mining, Nigeria
World Impact Development Foundation
Yiaga Africa
Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) 74. Fix Politics
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