Some Republican members of the United States House of Representatives have introduced a bill seeking to designate Fulani ethnic militias as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) over alleged religious violence in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by Representative Riley Moore of West Virginia and co-sponsored by Representative Chris Smith and other Republican lawmakers.
The bill calls on the U.S. Secretary of State to determine whether Fulani militias meet the criteria for formal designation as a terrorist organisation. It also mandates the submission of annual reports to Congress detailing efforts to address what the sponsors describe as religious persecution in Nigeria.
In addition, the legislation urges a review of U.S. assistance to Nigeria to ensure that American support does not inadvertently contribute to religious persecution or systemic violence.
Announcing the bill on Tuesday via a post on X, Moore said he was proud to introduce the measure alongside Smith.
“Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent U.S.-Nigeria security framework agreement,” Moore stated, adding that the U.S. must stand with persecuted Christians globally.
The bill, listed as HR 7457, directs the Secretary of State to submit annual reports to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees outlining actions taken to combat what it defines as Christian persecution in Nigeria.
Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, said the U.S. has a duty to press Nigeria to address persistent violence.
He criticised what he described as the Nigerian government’s denial of religious persecution, arguing that such inaction has allowed violence to escalate, with increasing reports of attacks on Christians and churches.
