The United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and members of Miyetti Allah groups over alleged involvement in religious violence in northern Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday by Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, alongside Congressman Riley Moore.
According to the draft bill submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives, the lawmakers urged the U.S. Department of State and the Department of the Treasury to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals and entities accused of severe religious rights violations.
“The Department of State and the Department of Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on individuals and entities responsible for severe religious violations,” the bill stated.
Among those listed for possible sanctions are Fulani ethnic nomad militias, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
The move comes amid renewed diplomatic tension between Washington and Abuja over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as widespread violence against Christians a claim that sparked debate within Nigeria’s political and religious communities.
The bill referenced several incidents, including the October 2025 killings in Plateau State and the case of Sunday Jackson, a farmer who spent nearly a decade in prison and was sentenced to death for killing a Fulani herder.
Jackson was later pardoned in 2025 following international advocacy and diplomatic engagement.
In addition to visa restrictions and asset freezes, the lawmakers are calling for a formal review to determine whether certain Fulani militias should be designated as foreign terrorist organisations.
The bill also seeks investigations into individuals and networks allegedly sponsoring armed groups linked to violence in northern Nigeria.
If passed, the legislation could affect diplomatic relations between Nigeria and the United States, particularly at a time when security cooperation between both countries has expanded. Reports indicate that in December, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Sokoto targeting suspected terrorist hideouts.
The United States has also announced plans to deploy 200 troops to support Nigeria’s counter-terrorism operations.
As of press time, there has been no official response from Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah officials, or the Nigerian Presidency regarding the proposed sanctions.
While it remains uncertain whether the bill will pass both chambers of Congress, its introduction signals increased scrutiny from Washington over Nigeria’s handling of religious violence and accountability for those implicated.
