Story Highlights
On February 11, 2026, U.S. lawmakers Riley Moore and Chris Smith introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act. The bill seeks to designate Fulani militias as terrorists. It also proposes sanctions against Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Miyetti Allah for alleged roles in systematic violence against Christians.
Left (Riley Moore): Official U.S. House of Representatives Portrait.
Right (Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso): Official Portrait / New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
United States Republican lawmakers are pushing for tough new measures against Nigerian political figures. Riley Moore and Chris Smith introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 on Wednesday. This bold move follows a series of reports regarding the persecution of Christians in West Africa.
The proposed law targets former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association. This development intensifies the pressure after Trump threatened military strikes on Nigeria late last year.
Targeting militias and leaders
The bill seeks to label Fulani ethnic militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation. Moore claims these groups lead religious violence against innocent churchgoers. He argues that the United States must protect its fellow believers abroad.
The Secretary of State must assess these militias under the new rules. The government must also provide annual reports on the state of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The act requires a full review of all financial aid to the country. Lawmakers want to ensure that American tax dollars do not sponsor persecution. This bill represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward the Nigerian state.
Escalating humanitarian concerns
Moore and Smith cited shocking data to justify the strict new sanctions. They estimate that attackers killed between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians since 2009.
The lawmakers highlighted cases of village raids and mass kidnappings. Moore personally visited Nigeria to witness the aftermath of the violence. His findings align with the moment Nicki Minaj praised Trump for his stance on Nigerian human rights.
Smith accused the Nigerian government of ignoring these brutal attacks for too long. He claimed the denial of the problem has only enabled more violence. These leaders face potential asset freezes and visa bans if the act passes.
