US lawmakers propose bill targeting Fulani militias, Chinese illegal mining in Nigeria

A group of United States lawmakers has introduced a bill seeking closer collaboration between Washington and Abuja to address insecurity linked to armed Fulani militias and alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese nationals in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was presented on Tuesday by five Republican representatives, including Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.

According to the sponsors, some illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria allegedly pay protection money to armed groups, including Fulani militias, a practice they claim fuels violence and instability in affected communities.

Clauses in the bill direct the US Secretary of State to provide technical and security assistance to the Nigerian government to reduce and ultimately eliminate militia-related violence. Measures outlined include disarmament programmes, counter-terrorism cooperation, and coordinated efforts with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to promote religious freedom and peace.

The legislation also calls for an assessment to determine whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations under US law.

The move follows earlier media reports alleging that some Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining in parts of north-western Nigeria had financially supported armed groups to secure access to mineral resources.

The bill has generated debate among analysts, with some cautioning that increased foreign involvement in Nigeria’s security and mining sectors could complicate ongoing counter-insurgency operations and local community relations.