US Reps’ Nigeria bill risks religious disharmony, analysts warn

By: Zagazola Zagazola

Security Analyst have cautioned that a newly introduced bill in the United States targeting Nigeria could exacerbate religious tensions in the country, even as expanded military cooperation between the two nations is welcomed.

The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, sponsored by US Representatives, Riley Moore and Chris Smith, seeks to impose sanctions on Fulani militias and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso over alleged religious persecution.

Critics, however, argue that the bill mischaracterizes Nigeria’s security situation and risks deepening sectarian divides. “The senator’s narrative of ‘Christian persecution’ and ‘genocide’ is selective and dangerously misleading,” said Zagazola Makama.

“Just last week, 167 Muslims were killed in Kwara State, for refusing to accept the ideologies of Boko Haram terrorists, yet there was no condemnation from the US lawmakers. This selective framing feeds a divisive agenda rather than genuine accountability.”

Since Nigeria was designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the US, attacks by insurgents, including Boko Haram, ISWAP, JNIM, and Ansaru, have continued with increasing lethality. The inflammatory statements by these foreign lawmakers provide terrorists with propaganda tools to incite further violence and devision through attacks.

While we welcome the US deployment of 200 troops to Nigeria to provide training and technical support to Nigerian security forces, what Nigeria needs is actionable support against terror networks, not legislation targeting political figures for past disagreements.

Nigeria is guided by its constitution and does not require empty rhetoric or selective campaigns of condemnation. Instead of legislating against Kwankwaso, the US should focus on helping Nigeria target the most ruthless terrorist networks like, ISWAP, Boko Haram and Bandits destabilizing the country.”

Cooperation with international partners should focus on strengthening intelligence, operational capacity, and border security.