US Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill seeking to designate Fulani militias as foreign terrorist organisations, raising fresh international attention on Nigeria’s security challenges.
The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representative Riley Moore alongside several Republican lawmakers. The bill is designed to compel the United States government to take stronger action against groups accused of fueling violence and religious persecution in Nigeria.
According to the sponsors, the bill directs the US Secretary of State to assess whether armed Fulani groups meet the legal requirements for designation as foreign terrorist organisations. Lawmakers backing the proposal claim that attacks allegedly linked to the militias involve killings, kidnappings, destruction of communities, and displacement of residents, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria.
The proposed legislation also recommends sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes, against individuals or organisations found to be directly or indirectly supporting acts of violence or religious persecution. In addition, it calls for periodic reports to the US Congress on the state of religious freedom in Nigeria and the steps taken to address violations.
Furthermore, the bill seeks a review of US foreign assistance to Nigeria to ensure that American support does not contribute to human rights abuses or worsen insecurity in affected communities.
However, the proposal remains at the early legislative stage and must pass through various congressional procedures before it can become law. If eventually adopted, analysts say it could have diplomatic and political implications for Nigeria-US relations, especially in the area of security cooperation.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Nigerian government or relevant stakeholders regarding the proposed legislation.
