U.S. lawmakers have introduced new legislation aimed at increasing accountability for human rights abuses in Nigeria, including the possibility of sanctions against Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso. The move comes amid rising international concern over sectarian violence in the country.
The proposed law, known as the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, is designed to build on previous U.S. measures targeting religious persecution and security challenges in Nigeria. Representative Riley Moore, a Republican, who co-sponsored the bill with Representative Chris Smith, said the legislation reflects America’s commitment to global religious freedom. “The U.S. is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world,” Moore stated.
The bill specifically calls for sanctions against armed groups accused of committing violence and government officials who have enacted or supported laws that undermine religious liberties. Legal experts and advocates have praised the bipartisan effort, highlighting its focus on holding individuals and organizations responsible for religiously motivated abuses. Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, described it as a critical step to increase accountability, including sanctions for Fulani militias and Kwankwaso, who introduced Sharia criminal law in Kano State.
Supporters note that the legislation signals a growing U.S. willingness to link security and economic cooperation with human rights standards. By tying sanctions to accountability for abuses, the law could influence how Nigeria addresses religiously motivated violence in the future. The bill is set for committee review in the U.S. House of Representatives, with advocates urging swift consideration due to the urgency of ongoing religious freedom concerns.
This legislative effort coincides with recent developments in U.S.-Nigeria military cooperation. The United States recently announced the deployment of 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical support to the Nigerian armed forces. Both governments emphasized that the personnel will not participate in direct combat operations.
The deployment, confirmed by Nigerian and U.S. officials, expands existing military collaboration as Nigeria continues its fight against insurgents and terror groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, explained that the U.S. troops will assist with training and technical guidance, particularly to improve coordination between air and ground operations.
Despite the increased U.S. presence, Nigerian authorities stressed that the troops’ role is strictly advisory, intended to enhance the effectiveness of security operations without engaging in frontline combat. The initiative comes amid U.S. diplomatic pressure on Nigeria regarding insecurity, with former President Donald Trump previously describing the situation in parts of the country as “persecution” and “genocide” against Christians—a characterization the Nigerian government rejects, describing the violence as a complex security challenge driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
The combined legislative and military initiatives underscore Washington’s growing involvement in supporting Nigeria’s efforts to combat insurgency while promoting accountability and religious freedom.