Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill seeking sanctions against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and two Miyetti Allah groups over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
The proposed law, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was presented on Tuesday and is now before Congress for consideration.
The lawmakers backing the measure include Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga.
According to details published on the US Congress website, the bill accuses Kwankwaso of contributing to what it described as persistent persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The legislation also names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore among entities it alleges are linked to severe religious freedom abuses.
If passed, the bill would compel the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organisations found culpable.
The proposed penalties include visa restrictions and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
The draft specifically references Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias, Kwankwaso, MACBAN, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as potential subjects of sanctions.
It further directed the U.S. Secretary of State to assess whether certain Fulani militias in Nigeria qualify for designation as foreign terrorist organisations.
As of press time, Kwankwaso and the named groups had not issued any public response to the allegations.
The legislative move followed the recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump cited what he described as widespread persecution of Christians in the West African nation as justification for the action.
Nigerian authorities have consistently rejected claims of religious persecution, maintaining that the country protects freedom of worship for all citizens.
Tensions escalated late last year when Trump warned of possible military intervention if Nigeria failed to address security concerns.
On Christmas Day, the United States carried out airstrikes targeting ISIS elements operating within Nigeria.
Both governments later confirmed the operation was conducted jointly.
Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Trump said the strikes were coordinated with Nigerian authorities.
He claimed the military action dealt a significant blow to extremist groups accused of killing thousands of Christians.
In the wake of the developments, Nigeria intensified diplomatic engagement with Washington.
A high-level Nigerian delegation travelled to the United States for talks, while some American lawmakers visited Nigeria to assess conditions firsthand.
The proposed bill now awaits further legislative action in Congress.
