US Lawmakers Propose Sanctions on Kwankwaso, Others Over Alleged Religious Violations in Nigeria

A group of United States lawmakers has introduced a bill seeking sanctions against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and several organisations over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,” was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. Details published on the US Congress website allege that Kwankwaso is among individuals linked to what the bill describes as ongoing systemic persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

If passed into law, the bill would require the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions — including visa restrictions and asset freezes — under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals or entities found responsible for severe religious freedom abuses.

Those listed in the proposal include certain Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and Kwankwaso.

The bill also directs the US Secretary of State to assess whether some Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Nigeria meet the criteria for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.

As of the time of filing this report, Kwankwaso and the named groups had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the proposed legislation.

The development follows US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), citing alleged persecution of Christians. Sponsors of the bill argued that the designation supports the need for further action.

However, Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected claims of religious persecution, maintaining that the government respects freedom of worship for all faiths.

Last year, President Trump threatened possible military intervention if Nigeria failed to address the situation. On Christmas Day, US airstrikes targeting terrorist elements were carried out in Nigeria. Both Washington and Abuja later described the operation as a coordinated effort between the two countries.

Speaking at the National Breakfast in Washington last week, Trump said the strikes were aimed at ISIS fighters accused of attacking Christian communities, stating that the operation was deliberately executed on Christmas Day to send a strong message.

Following the threat of action, Nigeria stepped up diplomatic engagement with US officials, dispatching a high-level delegation to Washington. Additionally, some American lawmakers visited Nigeria to independently assess the security and religious freedom situation on the ground.