US Lawmakers Target Fulani Militias

A group of Republican lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives has introduced a bill seeking the potential designation of Fulani ethnic militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, stems from intensifying allegations regarding religious violence and persecution within Nigeria.

Introduced by Representative Riley Moore and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Smith, the bill urges the U.S. Secretary of State to formally consider classifying these militias as terrorists. It further mandates comprehensive annual reports to Congress detailing concrete steps taken to address what the sponsors describe as systemic religious persecution in the country.

The legislation also calls for a thorough review of existing U.S. security assistance to Nigeria to ensure American support does not inadvertently enable further violence. Representative Moore highlighted the urgency of the bill, citing his recent visit to Nigeria where he witnessed firsthand the security challenges facing communities.

Representative Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, accused the Nigerian government of failing to acknowledge the scale of violence targeting Christians. The bill alleges the destruction of numerous churches, mass kidnappings, and village attacks, citing alarming estimates of fatalities between 2009 and 2025.

This legislative move aligns with broader efforts by the U.S. government to address stability in Nigeria. In late 2025, the administration designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, enabling the use of diplomatic and economic tools to pressure authorities into action against extremist networks.

Beyond security, the proposed law also addresses concerns over hostile foreign exploitation linked to illegal mining operations within Nigeria. The bill seeks to strengthen cooperation between the U.S. and Nigerian governments while focusing heavily on protecting religious liberty globally.