By Erewunmi Peace

Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), has made controversial claims that the United States is responsible for the creation and funding of Boko Haram, ISIS, and ISWAP — three major terror groups active in Nigeria and the wider Sahel region.

In a video that has since gone viral, El-Zakzaky alleged that these groups were strategically empowered by foreign powers, particularly the U.S., to destabilize the region. He also accused Nigerian politicians of complicity in exacerbating insecurity in the country.

“The U.S. is responsible for creating Boko Haram, ISWAP, and ISIS, and funding them to create havoc in the country,” El-Zakzaky asserted in the video.

These claims have drawn widespread attention, sparking debates about the real sources of terrorism in Nigeria, with many questioning the accuracy and motivations behind such statements. However, experts and security analysts have dismissed the allegations, emphasizing that there is no independent, credible evidence linking the U.S. government directly to the funding or creation of these terror groups.

Boko Haram, which rose to prominence in the early 2000s under the leadership of Mohammed Yusuf, is a homegrown terrorist group focused on imposing strict Islamic law across Nigeria. Over the years, the group has splintered into various factions, including ISWAP, which has pledged allegiance to ISIS.

While these groups have received external support in the form of arms, training, and funding from global jihadist networks, analysts argue that their origins and operations are primarily tied to local grievances, political instability, and criminal activities — not foreign intervention by the U.S.

U.S. government officials have consistently denied any involvement in the creation or financing of Boko Haram or ISIS. In fact, U.S. policies in the region have centered on combating terrorism and providing humanitarian aid to those affected by insurgencies.

In 2020, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, strongly refuted claims that American funds had inadvertently reached terrorist groups, emphasizing that there were stringent oversight mechanisms in place to prevent misuse of aid. (Vanguard Nigeria)

Political Allegations and Controversies

El-Zakzaky’s statement is not the first time a political figure has blamed foreign powers for the rise of Boko Haram and its affiliates. Some Nigerian officials and political commentators have argued that external influence, particularly from the U.S. and European powers, plays a role in the ongoing instability in the region.

However, critics suggest that such accusations are politically motivated and fail to address the underlying issues of governance, poverty, and corruption that fuel extremist violence within Nigeria.

While El-Zakzaky’s claims have ignited heated debates, they remain unsubstantiated by verified evidence. Experts stress that a more comprehensive and locally focused approach is needed to combat terrorism in Nigeria, addressing root causes such as inequality, poor governance, and lack of education.

As security challenges persist in Nigeria, the need for international cooperation and a united effort to combat terrorism becomes even more critical. In the meantime, El-Zakzaky’s accusations remain a subject of controversy, with many urging for more fact-based discourse on the issue.