Manny Ita –
Five Republican members of the United States House of Representatives have introduced legislation that would impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on former Kano State Governor and New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and leadership of prominent pastoralist groups, citing alleged religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. The measure, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7457), was filed by Representatives Riley Moore and Chris Smith, with co-sponsorship from Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart and Bill Huizenga.
Under the proposed bill, the U.S. Secretary of State would be required to submit regular reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards and detailing steps taken to protect vulnerable communities. If enacted, the Departments of State and Treasury would be expected to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals or entities deemed responsible for serious religious freedom violations or explain to lawmakers why such sanctions have not been imposed.
Among those listed for potential sanctions are Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and groups described in the bill as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.” The legislation also directs the Secretary of State to assess whether some of these militias meet the criteria for designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under U.S. law.
The bill’s sponsors cited data alleging widespread violence against Christian communities in Nigeria, including estimates that between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed from 2009 to 2025 and that more than 19,000 churches were destroyed. Specific attacks referenced in the bill include killings in Yelwata and mass assaults during Christmas Eve and Holy Week incidents in recent years.
“The Department of State and the Department of the Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals or entities responsible for severe religious freedom violations,” the bill reads in part, listing the individuals and entities lawmakers say merit such measures.
The proposed legislation also calls for increased humanitarian assistance to affected communities, to be co-funded by the Nigerian government and delivered through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations. The bill encourages coordination with international partners including France, Hungary and the United Kingdom to promote religious freedom and peace.
Supporters of the bill argue that it would strengthen U.S. advocacy for religious freedoms in Nigeria and apply pressure on the Nigerian government to address systemic violence. Critics, including the NNPP, have rejected the allegations and characterisations contained in the bill as unfair and politically motivated.
As introduced, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 will now proceed through committee review in the U.S. House of Representatives before any potential vote.
