US Lawmakers Introduce Bill Targeting Nigeria Over Religious Freedom Concerns
By Queen Madaki | February 11, 2026
The Bureau News reports that United States lawmakers have introduced new legislation that could reshape Washington’s diplomatic posture toward Nigeria, including potential sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The proposed law, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by U.S. Representative Riley Moore alongside Representative Chris Smith.
Nigeria News Today: Details of the Proposed Legislation
Announcing the bill, Moore described it as a step toward reinforcing previous U.S. actions addressing religious violence in Nigeria.
“Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith,” Moore said.
The Republican lawmaker emphasised what he described as America’s longstanding commitment to religious freedom globally.
“The U.S. is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world,” he added.
According to Moore, the legislation builds upon earlier measures, including Nigeria’s previous designation as a Country of Particular Concern under U.S. religious freedom laws.
The Bureau News: Sanctions and Accountability Measures
Legal advocates familiar with the draft say the bill recommends targeted sanctions against armed groups accused of religiously motivated violence. It also references former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over the introduction of Sharia-based criminal law during his tenure.
Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, described the proposal as a bipartisan effort to tighten accountability mechanisms.
Observers say the legislation signals a stronger U.S. inclination to link security and economic cooperation with measurable human rights benchmarks.
If passed, the bill would move to committee review in the U.S. House of Representatives before further legislative consideration.
US Military Cooperation With Nigeria Expands
This development comes as Washington deepens military cooperation with Abuja. Earlier reports confirmed that the United States will deploy 200 additional troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical assistance to the Armed Forces.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the personnel will support operational coordination, particularly between air and ground forces. Nigerian officials insist the troops will not engage in direct combat operations.
“US troops aren’t going to be involved in direct combat or operations,” Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major General Samaila Uba said.
Nigeria has battled insurgency for over a decade, particularly in the North-East, where Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to stage attacks. The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
While former U.S. President Donald Trump previously described the violence as persecution of Christians, the Nigerian government maintains that the crisis stems from terrorism, banditry, and communal tensions rather than a coordinated religious campaign.
The Bureau News will continue monitoring developments as the bill advances through the U.S. legislative process.
