U.S. Lawmaker Accuses China of Financing Terrorism in Nigeria

U.S. Congressman Moore accused China of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria during an interview on Fox News.

He claimed that Chinese involvement in illegal mining operations is funding Islamic radicals and protecting their financial interests. In response, five U.S.

Congressmen, including Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast, and Mario Diaz-Balart, introduced a bill titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom Account Act 2026, aimed at addressing ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. The bill links Chinese illegal mining operations to funding terrorism in the country.

The U.S. Secretary of State is reportedly working with the Nigerian government to counteract foreign exploitation and destabilizing practices.

However, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement on Thursday, asserting that major Chinese mining companies in the country have a record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations, rejecting the allegations of funding radical Islamic groups and ethnic militias.