US Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Designate Fulani Militias in Nigeria as Terrorists

Republican lawmakers in the United States have introduced a bill titled the "Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2026" seeking to designate Fulani ethnic militias in Nigeria as foreign terrorist organizations (FTO) over allegations of religious violence. The bill, introduced by Representative Riley Moore and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Smith, calls for the US Secretary of State to assess whether Fulani militias meet the criteria for terrorist designation and provide Congress with an annual report on the matter.

The proposed legislation aims to address claims of religious persecution in Nigeria and strengthen US oversight of the security situation in the country to ensure that American assistance does not inadvertently support or sponsor religious violence. The bill builds upon previous US actions concerning religious freedom in Nigeria and follows concerns raised by President Trump's designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern.

The legislation also directs the State Department to submit yearly updates to the House Foreign Affairs Committee detailing steps taken to confront the described persecution of Christians in Nigeria.