U.S. lawmakers introduce new bill on Nigeria, including potential sanctions for Fulani militias, and Ex-Governor Kwankwaso.

CBI News reports that the United States lawmakers have introduced a new legislation aimed at increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria, including potential sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

According to the lawmakers, the proposed legislation seeks to strengthen the impact of previous US actions in Nigeria.

“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” US Representative Riley Moore stated.

Moore, a Republican, emphasised the US commitment to global religious freedom, adding, “The U.S. 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,” he said, referencing past measures targeting religious persecution and security cooperation.

Legal experts and advocates have highlighted the bill’s focus on accountability for specific actors involved in religiously motivated violence.

Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, praised the bipartisan effort, noting, “Powerhouse team of Rep. Chris Smith & Rep Riley Moore today introduced a new bill on religious freedom in Nigeria increasing accountability measures, incl recs for sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State gov Kwankwaso, who intro’d Sharia criminal law there.”

The legislation comes amid growing international attention on the rise of sectarian violence in Nigeria.

The bill specifically recommends sanctions against armed groups accused of perpetrating violence and government figures who have enacted or supported laws that critics say infringe on religious freedoms.

Observers note that the bill signals a stronger US willingness to tie security and economic cooperation with human rights benchmarks. By linking sanctions directly to accountability for abuses, the proposed law could influence how Nigeria addresses religiously motivated attacks in the future.

The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 is expected to undergo committee review in the US House of Representatives, with supporters urging quick consideration given the urgency of ongoing religious freedom concerns.

“We are getting US troops to assist in training and technical support,” Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, told AFP.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected allegations that the violence amounts to a targeted campaign of Christian persecution, describing such claims as a mischaracterisation of a complex security crisis driven by terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.

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