Rabiu Kwankwaso
The United States Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives have introduced a bill calling on the Secretary of State to consider labelling Fulani ethnic militias as Foreign Terrorist Organization.
The bill also want make the US Department of State and the Department of Treasury to impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freeze on individuals and companies whom they claim are responsible for severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
Former governor of Kano state, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias in Nigeria were also included on the list of suspected terrorists to be sanctioned.
The bill also called for the review of sanctioned individuals and to inquire if US assistance to Nigeria in any way contributes to religious persecution.
The proposed bill, titled The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (HR 7457) aims to increase American action on matters of religious persecution and mass atrocities for Nigeria.
The US Secretary of State is expected to submit one annual report to congressional foreign affairs committees on efforts to address the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The bill was prompted by recent allegation of Christian genocide in parts of Nigeria.
