The Chinese government has dismissed allegations by five United States lawmakers accusing it of sponsoring illegal mining operations and financing terrorism in Nigeria, describing the claims as “completely baseless.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria expressed “firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction” over the accusations, urging relevant media outlets to stop circulating what it called false information.
The response follows a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.
The proposed legislation links alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese nationals to terrorism financing and religious violence in Nigeria.
The lawmakers behind the bill Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast and Mario Diaz-Balart alleged that Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining were paying protection money to terrorist groups, including Fulani militias, to secure access to mining sites.
According to the bill, such activities have contributed to ongoing violence, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region, where militant groups have been accused of targeted killings, kidnappings, and destruction of property.
Embassy Denies Funding Militias
The Chinese Embassy categorically rejected claims that it was funding radical Islamic groups or ethnic militias to protect mining interests.
“China requires all its nationals overseas to strictly abide by local laws and regulations,” the statement said, adding that it has “zero tolerance” for companies involved in illegal mining.
The embassy maintained that the majority of Chinese mining firms operating in Nigeria comply with local regulations, contribute to host communities, and support economic development through job creation and environmental protection initiatives.
It further stated that Chinese mining enterprises have themselves been victims of terrorist attacks and have consistently supported the Nigerian government’s efforts to strengthen national security and mining governance.
Previous Reports and Investigations
The controversy comes amid previous reports alleging that some Chinese-linked mining operators paid armed groups for access to mining sites.
A study by SBM Intelligence reportedly detailed instances in which militant leaders claimed Chinese miners paid “rent” to operate in areas under their control.
Additionally, an investigation by WikkiTimes alleged that Chinese-affiliated miners paid members of a terror faction in Niger State to gain access to mining locations.
However, the Chinese Embassy reiterated its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to ensure lawful and sustainable mining practices, while safeguarding the rights of enterprises from both countries.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had not issued an official response to the latest diplomatic exchange.
