US lawmakers propose sanctions on Kwankwaso and Fulani groups over alleged religious freedom violations in Nigeria

Five US Congressmen have introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, recommending targeted sanctions, asset freezes, and visa bans against former presidential candidate Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over severe violations of religious freedom, including the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026’, was introduced by Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga and would require the Secretary of State to submit periodic assessments to Congress detailing Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations and actions taken to protect vulnerable communities.