US Congress moves to impose sanctions over alleged religious freedom abuses in Nigeria.
United States has proposed targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.
The proposal is contained in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced on Tuesday by US Congressman Riley Moore of West Virginia and co-sponsored by Chris Smith of New Jersey.
The bill names Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, and Fulani-linked groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
It calls on the US Departments of State and Treasury to apply sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act against those found responsible for religious freedom violations.
The legislation also asks the US Secretary of State to assess whether some Fulani militias should be classified as foreign terrorist organisations under US law.
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In addition, it proposes humanitarian aid for Nigeria’s Middle Belt, to be delivered through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations, with support from the Nigerian government.
Announcing the bill on X, Moore said the measure builds on Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern for religious freedom abuses and a recent US–Nigeria security framework agreement.
Nigeria’s government has rejected claims that the violence is driven by religion, insisting the crisis involves criminality, land disputes, and wider security challenges.
Religious and communal violence has continued in parts of the Middle Belt and northern Nigeria, raising concern among international partners and human rights groups.
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