The United States has proposed targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups accused of involvement in religious freedom violations in Nigeria, under a newly introduced legislation titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.
On Tuesday, a United States Congressman, Rep. Riley Moore (R–West Virginia), announced via his verified X account the introduction of the bill, which is co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R–New Jersey).
The proposed legislation specifically names former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, alongside Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias and groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
According to the bill, the United States government should provide humanitarian assistance—co-funded by the Government of Nigeria—through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states. It also calls on the US Department of State and the Department of the Treasury to impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
The bill states that sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, should apply to individuals or entities responsible for religious freedom violations, including:
(A) Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria;
(B) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State;
(C) Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); and
(D) Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
In addition, the legislation directs the US Secretary of State to assess whether certain Fulani militias meet the criteria for designation as foreign terrorist organisations under US law.
Announcing the bill, Moore said, “Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith.
“The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.
“Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent US–Nigeria security framework agreement.”
Moore explained that the bill reinforces existing US actions aimed at addressing religious persecution in Nigeria, including the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and strengthened bilateral security cooperation.
Concerns over religious freedom in Nigeria have intensified amid persistent violence linked to armed groups in the Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria.
In late 2025, US President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over what Washington described as severe violations of religious freedom, citing alleged systematic attacks on communities, particularly Christians.
The Nigerian government has rejected this characterisation, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are complex and not driven by religious conflict.
Nigeria’s security situation has also drawn direct US military involvement. In December 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes against Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria in coordination with Nigerian authorities, as part of broader counter-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing. The US has also expanded training support and military assistance to Nigerian security forces.
Elijah Adeyemi
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