Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and several Fulani-affiliated groups could face US visa bans and asset freezes under a newly proposed American legislation targeting alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The proposed bill, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday by US Congressman Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).
Key Targets Named in the Bill
The legislation specifically mentions:
Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Governor of Kano State
Fulani-ethnic nomad militias
Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)
Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore
According to the bill, the US Department of State and the Department of the Treasury would be directed to impose targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals and entities accused of involvement in religious persecution.
An excerpt of the legislation states that the US government should:
“Deliver humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Government of Nigeria, through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states, and impose targeted sanctions on individuals or entities responsible for religious freedom violations.”
Possible Terrorist Designation for Fulani Militias
The bill further mandates the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militias qualify for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) under American law.
Additionally, the legislation proposes expanding humanitarian assistance in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through faith-based institutions and NGOs, reflecting Washington’s growing concern over violence in the region.
US Lawmakers Cite Protection of Persecuted Christians
Announcing the bill via X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Moore stated:
“The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.”
He added that the proposed legislation builds upon previous US actions, including Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and the recent US–Nigeria security framework agreement.
Nigeria Re-Designated as ‘Country of Particular Concern’
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.
The CPC status reflects allegations of systematic attacks, particularly against Christian communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions.
However, the Nigerian government has rejected the religious persecution narrative, insisting that the country’s security crisis is complex and not driven solely by religious conflict.
US Military Involvement Expands
The worsening security situation has also prompted increased US military cooperation with Nigeria.
In December 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes targeting Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria, in coordination with Nigerian authorities. The operation formed part of broader counter-terrorism efforts and intelligence-sharing agreements between both countries.
Washington has also expanded military training programs and logistical support for Nigerian security forces.
Rising Tensions Over Religious Freedom in Nigeria
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 comes amid heightened tensions over persistent violence by armed groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions.
If passed, the bill could significantly impact diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, particularly if sanctions and visa bans are formally imposed on prominent political figures and organisations.
