The Borno Elders Forum has called on the Nigerian government to expel the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other NGOs from Borno State and the North-East over alleged misuse of foreign aid.

The forum’s Secretary, Dr. Bulama Male Gubio, accused international organizations of engaging in “sinister activities” since 2014. He cited a recent claim by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that USAID funds may have indirectly supported terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.

“I was detained in Abuja for questioning when I raised these concerns years ago, and only the intervention of Borno elders secured my release,” Gubio told Daily Trust.

The U.S. government has since announced a 90-day suspension of all foreign aid programs, pending a global review.

While NGOs have played a key role in humanitarian relief efforts, skepticism about their true motives continues to grow among local leaders.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the forum’s demand.