In a newly circulated viral video, Nigeria’s prominent Shi’ite leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, has ignited nationwide debate after accusing the United States of creating and funding extremist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, and ISIS.
His explosive remarks, now trending across social media platforms, have stirred fresh controversy around Nigeria’s enduring insecurity challenges — but experts warn that the allegations remain unverified.
In the footage, the Islamic cleric claims that Nigeria’s insecurity is not accidental but “engineered” by both:
Internal political actors, and
Foreign powers, particularly the United States.
He alleges that powerful governments created and continue to fund Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other militant groups destabilizing Africa.
Zakzaky also blamed local politicians for collaborating with foreign interests, arguing that terrorism persists because “certain people benefit from the chaos.”
While the video is real and El-Zakzaky did make these claims, independent security analysts and international observers insist there is no credible evidence that the U.S. government created or finances Boko Haram or ISWAP.
Boko Haram began as a local extremist movement in northeastern Nigeria in the early 2000s.
ISWAP formed later as a splinter faction, pledging loyalty to ISIS.
Both groups have been classified as terrorist organizations by the U.S. and global security bodies.
The United States has repeatedly denied such allegations, and no verifiable intelligence supports Zakzaky’s claims.
Regardless of its accuracy, the video has:
Sparked political discussions,
Fueled social media reactions, and
Raised questions about foreign influence in African conflicts.
The controversy underscores the tension surrounding Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and the search for who is truly behind the continued violence.
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