Five Republican lawmakers in the United States have alleged that Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining operations in Nigeria are paying terrorists for protection, as part of a new bill introduced before Congress on Tuesday.
The lawmakers, Riley Moore of West Virginia, Chris Smith of New Jersey, Bill Huizenga of Michigan, Brian Mast of Florida and Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, advanced these claims in the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, a piece of legislation that Mr Smith said is expected to move quickly through the House of Representatives.
According to a statement published on Mr Smith’s official website, the bill would require the United States Secretary of State to compile and submit to Congress a comprehensive report on American efforts to address religious persecution and violence in Nigeria. Mr Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, said the legislation builds on President Donald Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern in November 2025.
The proposed legislation specifically directs the Secretary of State to work with the Nigerian government to counter what the lawmakers described as hostile foreign exploitation linked to Chinese illegal mining operations and the alleged practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias. Clauses 10 and 11 of the bill state that the Secretary should provide technical support to Nigeria to reduce and eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation.
The bill also stipulates that the United States Department of State should enlist international partners such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom to work with the Nigerian government to promote religious freedom and peace in the country.
Previous allegations and investigations
Previous reports have made similar claims about Chinese mining activities in Nigeria. A study by SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based research and strategic intelligence firm, alleged that some Chinese companies bribed armed groups to gain access to mining sites. The findings, shared with The Times, a British newspaper, included videos in which militant leaders reportedly boasted that Chinese miners operating in their territories paid rent.
Separately, an investigation by WikkiTimes, a Bauchi-based publication, reported that Chinese-affiliated miners allegedly engaged with members of a terror faction led by Dogo Gide to secure access to mining locations in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. An audio clip cited in the report purportedly captured discussions about negotiations before operations commenced.
In response to the latest allegations, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement on Thursday expressing firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction with what it called false accusations. The embassy said it was deeply dissatisfied with the claims made by the lawmakers regarding mining activities in Nigeria.
The embassy stated that China requires all its nationals to abide by Nigerian mining regulations and has zero tolerance for mining companies involved in any illegal activities. The statement added that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities and have consistently supported and are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.
Wider diplomatic tensions
The bill comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the United States and Nigeria over allegations of religious persecution. Over the past year, some American lawmakers have accused Nigeria of tolerating what they describe as a campaign of Christian genocide, a claim the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied. Abuja maintains that terrorist violence affects Nigerians of all religious backgrounds.
Tensions escalated further following American airstrikes carried out on December 25, 2025, which Mr Trump said targeted Islamic State camps in Nigeria’s northwest. Debris from the strikes was reportedly found in Sokoto, Kwara and Niger states, with some observers questioning whether all missiles hit their intended targets. The Nigerian government said it consented to the airstrikes and described them as part of an ongoing bilateral security partnership conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Reports have also indicated that the United States has deployed a small team of military personnel to Nigeria, with plans to send an additional 200 troops. Concerns have been raised domestically about the presence of foreign troops, but Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has stated that the American personnel will focus on training and tactical support rather than direct combat operations.
The bill represents the latest in a series of legislative actions by American lawmakers targeting what they describe as religious persecution in Nigeria. It is separate from another proposed legislation sponsored by Mr Moore and Mr Smith seeking to designate former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and two Nigerian herder groups as terrorists.
If passed, the legislation would compel the United States Secretary of State to deliver an assessment to Congress covering Nigeria’s adherence to global religious liberty norms, handling of internally displaced persons, application of blasphemy laws, security assistance and initiatives to bring offenders to justice while dismantling extremist organizations.
