U.S. lawmakers are pushing new legislation that raises concerns about religious violence in Nigeria and alleged foreign involvement in illegal mining activities.
Five Republican representatives – Riley Moore (West Virginia), Chris Smith (New Jersey), Bill Huizenga (Michigan), Brian Mast (Florida), and Mario Diaz-Balart (Florida), have introduced a bill titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026. In a statement released on his official website, Rep. Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, said the measure is expected to move swiftly through the House.
The bill calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a detailed report to Congress outlining American efforts to address what the sponsors describe as ongoing religious persecution and large-scale violence in Nigeria. The lawmakers argue that, since 2009, extremist groups have carried out widespread attacks including killings, abductions, sexual violence, destruction of villages, and forced displacement.
They attribute these acts to Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), certain Fulani militant factions, and other armed organizations. The sponsors estimate that tens of thousands of Christians have been killed over the past decade and a half, and that numerous churches have been targeted or destroyed. In the text of the bill, they contend that such actions meet the legal threshold for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under U.S. law.
Within the new legislation, the five lawmakers also urge the State Department to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to address what they describe as foreign exploitation tied to illegal mining operations, including allegations that some Chinese operators pay armed groups for access and security.
As of now, Chinese officials and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria have not publicly responded to the claims. Similar allegations have surfaced previously. A report by Lagos-based research firm SBM Intelligence alleged that some Chinese companies operating in Nigeria made payments to armed groups in exchange for access to mining sites. The findings, which were shared with a British newspaper, reportedly included footage of militant leaders claiming that miners in their territories were required to pay “rent”.
Head of research at SBM Intelligence, Ikemesit Effiong, was quoted as saying that some operators were willing to make payments to secure uninterrupted operations.
Separately, an investigation by Bauchi-based outlet, WikkiTimes, alleged that miners with Chinese affiliations negotiated with the faction led by Dogo Gide to operate in parts of Niger State. The report included an audio recording in which an individual discussed engaging with associates of the group prior to commencing mining activities.
These allegations have intensified scrutiny of illegal mining operations in Nigeria and the broader security challenges affecting the country.
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