U.S. Lawmakers Push for Sanctions on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah, Fulani Militias Over Alleged Religious Persecution in Nigeria

By Tgnews Reporter

In a significant escalation of U.S. scrutiny over religious freedom violations in Nigeria, Republican Congressmen Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Chris Smith (R-New Jersey) have introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.

The bill calls for targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against former Kano State Governor and presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and groups described as “Fulani ethnic nomad militias.”

The legislation, introduced on Tuesday in the U.S. House of Representatives and co-sponsored by additional lawmakers including Brian Mast, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga, urges the U.S. Secretary of State to assess whether certain Fulani militias meet the criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).

It also requires a comprehensive report to Congress on U.S. efforts to address ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt region.

Congressmen Moore and Smith highlighted what they describe as the Nigerian government’s failure to prosecute perpetrators of violence, including jihadist actors and those involved in attacks on Christian communities.

They pointed to systemic impunity, ongoing religious violence, and the lack of accountability for killings, displacements, and destruction attributed to Fulani militias.

The bill builds on President Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act, emphasizing the need for stronger measures to protect persecuted Christians and non-radical Muslims.

The proposed sanctions would be imposed under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against individuals and entities deemed responsible for severe religious freedom violations.

The legislation also advocates for humanitarian assistance to affected areas in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, delivered through trusted faith-based and nongovernmental organizations, with co-funding from the Nigerian government.

Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), was specifically named in the bill alongside the herder associations.

Critics of the move argue that linking political figures and cultural organizations to terrorism allegations could strain U.S.-Nigeria relations, while supporters view it as a necessary step to combat what they call unchecked extremism and persecution.

The bill reflects growing congressional attention to Nigeria’s security and religious freedom challenges, including attacks by groups like Boko Haram and alleged militia violence.

If passed, it could lead to further diplomatic pressure on Abuja to reform security practices, repeal controversial laws, and prosecute offenders more aggressively.

No immediate response has been reported from the Nigerian government or the named individuals and groups. The legislation remains in the early stages and requires further congressional action to become law.