Former Kano State Governor and the leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Rabiu Kwankwaso facing possible United States (U.S) sanctions.
This comes as Republican lawmakers in the United States introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.
The proposed legislation seeks to impose stringent sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on high-profile Nigerian figures and organizations.
Kwankwaso is among those facing possible U.S sanctions over alleged involvement in religious freedom violations in Nigeria.
Others specifically named in the bill are the Fulani-ethnic nomad militias and associations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
The bill, sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Riley Moore (R-WV), alongside three other co-sponsors, accused the named individuals and entities of being allegedly responsible for, or complicit in, severe religious freedom violations.
The lawmakers argued that the U.S. must utilize its economic and diplomatic weight to address the “systemic persecution” of religious minorities and the ongoing mass atrocities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Northern regions.
The bill partly reads: “The United States should deliver humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Government of Nigeria, through trusted faith-based and nongovernmental organisations in Nigeria’s middle belt states; the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals or entities responsible for religious freedom violations, including (A) Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria, (B) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor (C) Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); and (D) Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.”
The legislation directs the U.S Secretary of State to determine whether certain Fulani militias qualify as foreign terrorist organisations under U.S law, while also calling for humanitarian aid delivery in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations.
Taking to his X account on Tuesday Moore: “Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith.
“The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.
“Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.”
According to Moore, the legislation builds on previous U.S measures, including Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” and the recent US–Nigeria security framework agreement, reinforcing America’s stance on protecting persecuted Christians and other vulnerable communities in the country.
Tensions over religious freedom in Nigeria have escalated amid persistent violence by armed groups in the country’s Middle Belt and northern regions.
In late 2025, U.S President Donald Trump re‑designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for severe violations of religious freedom, a status reflecting allegations of systematic attacks on communities, particularly Christians.
The characterisation was rejected by the Nigerian government, which says the security crisis is multifaceted and not a religious war.
In December 2025, the United States carried out airstrikes against Islamic State‑linked militants in northwest Nigeria in coordination with Abuja, part of broader counter‑terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Meanwhile, the U.S has expanded training support and military supplies for Nigerian forces.
