US lawmakers have introduced a new bill aimed at strengthening accountability for religious freedom violations in Nigeria, including possible sanctions against alleged Fulani militia groups and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by Representative Riley Moore alongside Representative Chris Smith. The bill seeks to reinforce earlier US measures addressing religious persecution and security concerns in Nigeria.
Announcing the legislation, Moore underscored Washington’s commitment to defending religious liberty globally. He said the measure would build on previous actions, including Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern and a recent US–Nigeria security cooperation agreement.
According to supporters, the bill would recommend targeted sanctions against armed groups accused of carrying out religiously motivated attacks. It would also apply accountability measures to public officials who have enacted or supported laws critics argue restrict religious freedom.
Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, described the proposal as a bipartisan effort to strengthen US engagement on the issue. He noted that the bill specifically references accountability for individuals linked to the implementation of Sharia-based criminal laws in Kano State.
The move comes amid growing international attention on sectarian violence in Nigeria. Observers say the legislation signals a tougher US stance by linking future security and economic cooperation to measurable human rights benchmarks.
The bill will now proceed to committee review in the House of Representatives, where backers are urging swift consideration.
Meanwhile, military cooperation between Washington and Abuja is expanding. Nigerian and US officials have confirmed that about 200 additional American troops will be deployed to Nigeria to provide training and technical assistance to the country’s armed forces.
Major General Samaila Uba, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, said the US personnel would focus strictly on advisory and training roles. He stressed they would not participate in direct combat operations.
Reports indicate the reinforcements will support operational coordination, particularly in synchronising air and ground operations against insurgent groups. The additional troops are expected to complement an existing US team already assisting with air strike targeting.
Nigeria has been battling insurgency for over a decade, particularly in the North-East, where Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to stage attacks. The prolonged conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.
The expanded partnership comes as US officials increase diplomatic pressure over insecurity in Nigeria. While some American leaders have described the violence as targeted persecution of Christians, the Nigerian government maintains that the crisis is rooted in terrorism, banditry and longstanding communal conflicts rather than religious persecution alone.