Kwankwaso, Fulani Militias on Sanctions Watch in New US Legislation

A new bill introduced in the US Congress that seeks to impose visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of religious freedom violations in Nigeria, has specifically named former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias, and organisations including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities to be considered for sanctions.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was unveiled on Tuesday by Congressman Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey), according to a statement Moore shared on X.

Under the proposed law, the US Department of State and the Department of the Treasury would be required to impose targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes, under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals and entities found responsible for religious freedom violations.

The legislation also directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militias qualify for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organisations under US law.

Beyond sanctions, the bill also calls for humanitarian assistance to Nigeria’s Middle Belt states, to be co-funded by the Nigerian government and distributed through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

Announcing the bill, Moore wrote: “Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith. The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.”

According to Moore, the legislation builds on previous US measures, including Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” and the recent US–Nigeria security framework agreement, reinforcing America’s stance on protecting persecuted Christians and other vulnerable communities in the country.