₦airaland Forum

US Bill On Nigeria Targets Chinese Illegal Mining Operations, Claims Miners Pay Fulani Militias For 'Protection'

The United States proposed bill has sought to counter Chinese mining operations in Nigeria as part of targeted measures to address religious freedom violations and extremism by terrorist groups.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the proposal is contained in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, co-sponsored by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

In an announcement via X on Tuesday by US Congressmen, Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia), the lawmakers had outlined concerns over the security implications of certain mining activities.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers identified illegal mining operations as a primary revenue source for violent extremism, noting the widespread practice of paying ‘protection money’ to insurgent groups to ensure operational security.

The legislation directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain “Fulani militias” qualify as foreign terrorist organisations under US law.

It also calls for humanitarian aid delivery in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

According to the bill, the lawmakers proposed that individuals and networks, domestic or foreign that provide support to these Fulani-ethnic militias should be investigated and held accountable.

The bill reads, “the Secretary of State should consider technical support to the Government of Nigeria to reduce and then eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation to rid the region of Foreign Terrorist Organizations that pose a direct threat to the American homeland.”

It further states, “The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”

It has been previously reported that the United States has proposed targeted measures, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups linked to the alleged involvement in religious freedom violations and extremism in Nigeria.

The United States proposed bill has sought to counter Chinese mining operations in Nigeria as part of targeted measures to address religious freedom violations and extremism by terrorist groups.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the proposal is contained in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, co-sponsored by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

In an announcement via X on Tuesday by US Congressmen, Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia), the lawmakers had outlined concerns over the security implications of certain mining activities.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers identified illegal mining operations as a primary revenue source for violent extremism, noting the widespread practice of paying ‘protection money’ to insurgent groups to ensure operational security.

The legislation directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain “Fulani militias” qualify as foreign terrorist organisations under US law.

It also calls for humanitarian aid delivery in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

According to the bill, the lawmakers proposed that individuals and networks, domestic or foreign that provide support to these Fulani-ethnic militias should be investigated and held accountable.

The bill reads, “the Secretary of State should consider technical support to the Government of Nigeria to reduce and then eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation to rid the region of Foreign Terrorist Organizations that pose a direct threat to the American homeland.”

It further states, “The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”

It has been previously reported that the United States has proposed targeted measures, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups linked to the alleged involvement in religious freedom violations and extremism in Nigeria.

The bill, if passed, would require further determinations and actions by the US Secretary of State in line with its provisions.

The United States proposed bill has sought to counter Chinese mining operations in Nigeria as part of targeted measures to address religious freedom violations and extremism by terrorist groups.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the proposal is contained in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, co-sponsored by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

In an announcement via X on Tuesday by US Congressmen, Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia), the lawmakers had outlined concerns over the security implications of certain mining activities.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers identified illegal mining operations as a primary revenue source for violent extremism, noting the widespread practice of paying ‘protection money’ to insurgent groups to ensure operational security.

The legislation directs the US Secretary of State to determine whether certain “Fulani militias” qualify as foreign terrorist organisations under US law.

It also calls for humanitarian aid delivery in Nigeria’s Middle Belt through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

According to the bill, the lawmakers proposed that individuals and networks, domestic or foreign that provide support to these Fulani-ethnic militias should be investigated and held accountable.

The bill reads, “the Secretary of State should consider technical support to the Government of Nigeria to reduce and then eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation to rid the region of Foreign Terrorist Organizations that pose a direct threat to the American homeland.”

It further states, “The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”

It has been previously reported that the United States has proposed targeted measures, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups linked to the alleged involvement in religious freedom violations and extremism in Nigeria.

The bill, if passed, would require further determinations and actions by the US Secretary of State in line with its provisions.

SaharaReporters

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the proposal is contained in the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, co-sponsored by Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

So apt. The Chinese pay whoever needs to be paid.

U.S have not been sincere from the beginning. Not like I expected them to be sincere anyways, their target was to checkmate the growing influence of China in Africa especially 🇳🇬

Honestly Britain and American lefties are demonic! Look at how their government ignored Fulani killings, termed it farmers/herders clashes, armed the terrorists, put ZERO pressure on Buhari, blamed the jihadists movement on climate change!
The poor victims still narrate their movements to BBC Hausa!

A new bill in the United States House of Representatives seeks to have the US Secretary of State collaborate with Nigeria to counter what lawmakers describe as the destabilizing impact of illegal Chinese mining operations in the country.

The “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” was introduced on Tuesday by five Republican lawmakers: Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. The sponsors allege that some Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have been paying protection money to Fulani militias, fueling local violence and insecurity.

Under the proposed legislation, the Secretary of State would provide technical support to Nigeria aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating militia-related violence, including through disarmament programs and comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation. The bill also calls for coordination with international partners such as France, Hungary, and the UK to advance religious freedom and peace.

“The Secretary of State should work with the Government of Nigeria to counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilizing practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”

The legislation also tasks the Secretary of State with determining whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias qualify as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

The bill references a 2023 report by The Times, which alleged that Chinese nationals in Nigeria’s mining sector were indirectly funding militant groups in the northwest to secure access to mineral resources. According to the report, some miners in Zamfara acted as runners for militant groups, raising concerns that “Beijing could be indirectly funding terror in Africa’s largest economy.”
Follow @GuardianNigeria for more updates
#MilitiaFunding #Terrorist #US #China #Nigeria

SadiqBabaSani:
U.S have not been sincere from the beginning. Not like I expected them to be sincere anyways, their target was to checkmate the growing influence of China in Africa especially 🇳🇬

Nobody can deny there is a jihadists encirclement of West Africa supported fully by northern and other Muslim elements, we can no longer lie to ourselves, what is happening in Nigeria is occuring because powerful people in the North wants it to happen!
There is actually a purpose to all these madnesss

US is now making bills on behalf of rubber stamp ?
Chai...how low can Nigeria go

CodeTemplarr:
So apt. The Chinese pay whoever needs to be paid.

The concept of having a human conscience is completely alien to them as they mine precious metals using the most environmentally destructive methods known to man, while arming Islamist marauders to murderously depopulate areas where their low-flying aircraft detect lithium, tantalite, or gold. These folks are running amok in Nigeria and MUST be checkmated with surgical precision.

It is an enormous relief to see that a new sheriff is in town to stop the escalating Sino-financed bloodbath now being witnessed in northern Nigeria's lawless badlands that are begging for drone strikes.

An average Chinese will do whatever it takes to secure his source of income.

Crimes they can’t commit in their country, they do here in Africa because our corrupt politicians allow them.

Sheuns:
An average Chinese will do whatever it takes to secure his source of income.

Africa and Nigeria in particular are regarded as the promised land, even as they express open loathing for Africa's indigenous populations, because impunity in the wake of any crime including multiple homicide, can be purchased cheaply in Africa. Crimes that would attract the death penalty in their homeland will qualify those same amoral criminals for chieftaincy titles in Nigeria.

The US are eyeing the Nigerian mining industry. What a smart way to begin

Every tom dick and Harry knows that apart from the federal government

SadiqBabaSani:
U.S have not been sincere from the beginning. Not like I expected them to be sincere anyways, their target was to checkmate the growing influence of China in Africa especially 🇳🇬

Stay one place Baba Sani.

Real Intels unreeling,,and we claim to know things.

ARISHEM:
The US are eyeing the Nigerian mining industry

"The US are after awa oyel"

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

If you think Americans are terrible wait until you know more about the Russians and the Chinese.

Americans are the far manageable demons compared to the Chinese and the Russians.

There's no lies in this bill. Chinese are evil

No be today e start, come to kwande local govt. Area of Benue state and see how these Chinese illegal minners are sponsoring banditry.

And how has the Chinese helped Nigeria or any other country for that matter? At least several countries receive all manner of aids from the US government and private individuals ( from the USA). What has China done for Africa, except the exploitation of our natural resources ?

SadiqBabaSani:
U.S have not been sincere from the beginning. Not like I expected them to be sincere anyways, their target was to checkmate the growing influence of China in Africa especially 🇳🇬

Now I'm starting to see where this is coming from and going after all... and i believe the Chinese will do all of that too by the way.

If you sell your brothers to strangers, don't think the strangers will trust you.

I won't say much, but that is the summary of this post.

Even though I agree that the Chinese might be culprit to this thing.

However, the core aim of Trump's foreign policies are geared towards curbing China's global influence and rising dominance.

So, Nigeria needs to carefully address the situation.

China's emergence gave the world (esp third world countries like Nigeria) access to many techs and products at an affordable rate. Even thou China has her hidden corrupt issues.

Most countries will not be able to afford anything if global manufacturing is returned to the US. And it's not something that is feasible or that can be achieved quickly. Imagine the cost of an ordinary WAHL clipper made in USA at N85,000. That is more than monthly salary of some Lagosians.

Chai. You see ? Na them them Dey spoil we country o

StaffofOrayan:
Nobody can deny there is a jihadists encirclement of West Africa supported fully by northern and other Muslim elements, we can no longer lie to ourselves, what is happening in Nigeria is occuring because powerful people in the North wants it to happen!
There is actually a purpose to all these madnesss

so Nnamdi Kanu was right! good morning sir

Another unveiling truth

Let me see those American haters that won't think twice if they were granted the chance to stay there

Wetin concern chinko

If you like finish yourself, as far the minerals are exploited by them

African countries with their brainless leaders have suffer in the satanic hands of chinko people

Phoen1X:
Real Intels unreeling,,and we claim to know things.

It's not news. Go to places like Osun State. Gold miners are using them too

SadiqBabaSani:
U.S have not been sincere from the beginning. Not like I expected them to be sincere anyways, their target was to checkmate the growing influence of China in Africa especially 🇳🇬

So without being told, you don't know about this, and you're a Nigerian, im surprised is the first time of you knowing this.

See as the narratives change from islamic jihadit to illegal miner / Chinese / miner banditry... So everybody just accept as US declare it... Chaii Naija

Hmmm bros na true those people deh talk ooo...d kind mineral resources wey deh northern parts no be here...and all are being exported by Chinese people cos I be agent..my Boss just told me about a Costly Uranium they just discovered there not long.

TheStoriesOfMan:
"The US are after awa oyel"

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Whatever brings an enduring peace to Nigerians is acceptable.

I swear bro...go Northern states na Chinese full there all because of mineral resources...USA deh on point on this intels oo

Wizardslayer:
If you think Americans are terrible wait until you know more about the Russians and the Chinese.

Americans are the far manageable demons compared to the Chinese and the Russians.