A group of United States lawmakers has introduced new legislation that may result in targeted measures — including visa restrictions and asset freezes — against individuals and groups accused of involvement in religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The proposal comes under the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).
The proposed act directs the U.S. Secretary of State to assess and report to Congress on efforts to address religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. It also outlines a range of accountability tools under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, including the possibility of visa bans and asset seizures for individuals and entities identified as responsible for serious violations of religious freedom.
Among those mentioned in the draft legislation are former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore — all reportedly cited for alleged involvement in attacks affecting religious communities.
The bill also empowers the U.S. Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militia groups should be classified under U.S. law as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) — a designation that could lead to further sanctions and restrictions.
In addition to sanctions, the legislation calls for humanitarian assistance to be delivered in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, with funding shared between the U.S. and Nigerian governments, and distributed through trusted faith-based or non-governmental organisations to support communities affected by violence.
Rep. Moore, in announcing the bill on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), affirmed that the legislation builds on prior U.S. actions, including the designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations and recent U.S.–Nigeria security cooperation agreements.
He described the United States as a nation committed to defending persecuted Christians and other vulnerable groups around the world.
The issue of religious freedom in Nigeria has been the focus of ongoing debate, with U.S. policymakers and civil society urging stronger accountability for attacks against communities, particularly in the central and northern regions where violence has displaced and harmed many residents.