US Lawmakers introduce Bill seeking sanctions against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah over alleged religious freedom violations

US Lawmakers Introduce Bill Seeking Sanctions Against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah Over Alleged Religious Freedom Violations

On February 11, 2026, a group of five Republican lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives introduced a bill targeting individuals and organizations in Nigeria accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

The proposed legislation specifically names Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside Fulani nomadic militias and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), including its affiliate Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The bill seeks to compel the US Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report on American efforts to address ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria. If enacted, the Departments of State and Treasury would be empowered to impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, on individuals or entities deemed responsible for such violations.

Kwankwaso, a prominent political figure in Nigeria, is accused of complicity in religious freedom violations, though details of the allegations remain politically sensitive.

The Miyetti Allah groups, often associated with Fulani herders, have long been controversial in Nigeria, with accusations of involvement in violent clashes and persecution of minority communities.

The proposed sanctions represent a significant escalation in US engagement with Nigeria’s internal conflicts, particularly those involving ethnic and religious tensions. By targeting both a high-profile politician and influential socio-cultural organizations, the bill underscores Washington’s growing concern over religious freedom and human rights in Africa’s most populous nation.

If passed, the legislation would mark a rare instance of direct US punitive measures against Nigerian political and social actors, potentially straining diplomatic relations between the two countries.

It also signals a broader trend of American lawmakers using sanctions as a tool to address international human rights concerns, especially in regions plagued by sectarian violence.