NEWS
U.S Congress Moves Against Alleged Chinese Illegal Mining In Nigeria, Cites Payments To Fulani Militias For ‘Protection’ In New Religious Freedom Bill
The United States Congress has introduced a far-reaching legislative proposal targeting alleged Chinese illegal mining operations in Nigeria, linking them to insecurity, religious freedom violations, and extremist violence in parts of the country.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, seeks to counter Chinese mining operations in Nigeria as part of targeted measures to address religious freedom violations and extremism by terrorist groups.
Earlier reports indicated that the bill is co-sponsored by Riley Moore and Chris Smith, both members of the United States Congress.
In an announcement posted on X on Tuesday, Rep. Riley Moore outlined what he described as serious security implications surrounding certain mining operations in Nigeria.
According to the lawmakers, illegal mining operations have become a primary revenue source for violent extremism. They pointed to what they described as a widespread practice of paying ‘protection money’ to insurgent groups in order to guarantee operational security for mining activities in affected regions.
The proposed bill frames these activities not only as economic crimes but as part of a broader destabilising network allegedly fueling insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and beyond.
A major provision of the bill directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain “Fulani militias” qualify as foreign terrorist organisations under US law. Such a designation, if made, would carry significant legal and diplomatic consequences, including sanctions and criminal liability for material support.
In addition, the legislation calls for humanitarian aid delivery in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations, with the aim of supporting communities affected by violence and displacement.
The bill further proposes that individuals and networks, whether domestic or foreign, that provide support to these Fulani-ethnic militias should be investigated and held accountable under relevant US laws.
The proposed legislation outlines specific expectations for the US State Department.
It states, “the Secretary of State should consider technical support to the Government of Nigeria to reduce and then eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation to rid the region of Foreign Terrorist Organizations that pose a direct threat to the American homeland.”
The bill also directly addresses concerns about foreign exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
It further states, “The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”
These provisions signal a potential expansion of US involvement in Nigeria’s internal security architecture, particularly in areas linked to terrorism financing and transnational criminal networks.
It has previously been reported that the United States is considering targeted measures, including visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups allegedly linked to religious freedom violations and extremist activities in Nigeria.
If passed into law, the bill would require further determinations and actions by the US Secretary of State in line with its provisions. Such actions could include formal terrorist designations, expanded security cooperation, and enforcement measures targeting financial networks connected to illegal mining and armed groups.
The development marks a significant escalation in international scrutiny over Nigeria’s mining sector and its alleged intersection with insecurity, as US lawmakers push for accountability, counter-terrorism collaboration, and strengthened protections for vulnerable communities.