United States lawmakers have introduced a bill that could impose sanctions on former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and certain armed groups over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026’, recommends possible sanctions against Fulani militias and Kwankwaso.
The bill was announced by US Congressman Riley Moore in a post on X, where he said the measure aims to reinforce previous American actions on religious freedom concerns in Nigeria.
In the post seen by Dockaysworld Moore, said the legislation builds on President Donald Trump’s earlier designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, as well as the recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.
The development comes amid increasing international scrutiny over sectarian violence and religious freedom issues in Nigeria.
The bill specifically proposes sanctions against armed groups accused of carrying out violence and public officials alleged to have supported laws seen by critics as restricting religious freedom.
“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” Moore said. “The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.”
Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, Sean Nelson, also welcomed the move, stating, “Powerhouse team of Representatives Chris Smith and Rep Riley Moore Today introduced a new bill on religious freedom in Nigeria increasing accountability measures, including recommendations for sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Kwankwaso, who introduced Sharia criminal law there.”
