Religious Freedom: Kwankwaso, Fulani Militias Named in Proposed US Sanctions Bill

Two United States lawmakers have introduced a bill seeking stronger accountability for alleged human rights and religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, includes provisions that could lead to sanctions against armed Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

The bill was announced by US Congressman Riley Moore in a post on X. Moore said he introduced the legislation alongside Representative Chris Smith.

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

Moore said the bill is intended to reinforce previous US actions addressing religious persecution in Nigeria. He added, “The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.”

According to Moore, the proposed law builds on President Donald Trump’s earlier designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over religious freedom issues, as well as the recent US–Nigeria security framework agreement.

Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, also commented on the development, stating on X that the bill would increase accountability measures. He noted that the legislation includes recommendations for sanctions against Fulani militias and Kwankwaso, citing his role in the introduction of Sharia criminal law in Kano State.

The bill comes amid heightened international scrutiny of sectarian violence in parts of Nigeria. It proposes sanctions against armed groups accused of attacks linked to religious conflict and against public officials whose policies are considered by critics to restrict religious freedoms.