US Lawmakers Propose Sanctions Against Fulani Militias and Kwankwaso: A Deep Dive into the 2026 Accountability Act

 

​The geopolitical landscape of West Africa has just been hit with a major tremor as United States lawmakers officially introduced a groundbreaking bill aimed at addressing long-standing human rights concerns in Nigeria. Titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, this legislative move specifically targets high-profile entities, including Fulani militias and the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso.

​This development, reported by Daily Post on February 11, 2026, signals a sharp shift in US-Nigeria relations, moving from diplomatic suggestions to hardline legislative mandates. As the "Red Cap" movement leader and the NNPP stalwart, Kwankwaso’s inclusion in a potential sanctions list has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political establishment.

​The Genesis of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act

​The bill was introduced by a formidable Republican duo: Congressman Riley Moore and Representative Chris Smith. Moore, who has been vocal about global religious liberties, stated that the legislation is designed to strengthen the impact of previous US actions regarding Nigeria.

​The primary motivation behind the act is the documented rise in sectarian violence and the alleged persecution of religious minorities. Congressman Moore took to X (formerly Twitter) to express the moral imperative behind the bill, stating, “The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.” This sentiment aligns with the broader Republican strategy to reinstate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a designation previously championed during the Trump administration.

​Why Rabiu Kwankwaso? Understanding the Charges

​The inclusion of Rabiu Kwankwaso in the bill has raised eyebrows across the continent. According to Sean Nelson, Senior Counsel for Global Religious Freedom, the recommendation for sanctions against the former Kano Governor stems from his historical political actions. Specifically, the bill references his role in the introduction of Sharia criminal law in Kano State during his tenure.

​Critics cited in the legislation argue that such legal frameworks have, over time, been used to infringe upon the religious freedoms of non-Muslims and minority groups within the region. By naming a major political figure like Kwankwaso, the US lawmakers are sending a clear message: political leadership will be held accountable for policies that exacerbate religious tensions or facilitate human rights abuses.

​Targeting Fulani Militias and Systemic Violence

​Beyond individual politicians, the bill squarely targets Fulani militias, which have been at the center of the farmer-herder conflicts that have plagued Nigeria’s Middle Belt and southern regions for over a decade. The act seeks to designate these armed groups for sanctions, potentially cutting off their access to international funding and movement.

​The legislation points to "mass atrocities" and "religious persecution" as the driving forces behind these sanctions. By classifying these groups and their alleged sponsors under a framework of accountability, the US hopes to pressure the Nigerian federal government into taking more decisive action against internal insecurity.

​The Global Implications: A New Era of US-Nigeria Relations

​The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 is not just about internal Nigerian affairs; it is a reflection of the evolving US foreign policy. The bill mentions building on a recent "US-Nigeria security framework agreement," suggesting that future military and economic aid may be strictly conditional based on the improvement of religious freedom metrics.

​For Nigeria, this could mean:

1. ​Stricter Vetting: Future arms sales and security partnerships might undergo more rigorous scrutiny by the US Congress.
2. ​Political Isolation: Targeted sanctions against figures like Kwankwaso could complicate their international standing and travel.
3. ​Economic Pressure: If Nigeria is officially re-designated as a CPC, it could trigger mandatory policy responses from the US government, potentially affecting trade deals.

​Reaction from the "Kwankwasiyya" Movement

​While the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya movement have yet to issue a comprehensive official rebuttal, the news has already triggered intense debate in Kano and beyond. Supporters of Kwankwaso argue that the introduction of Sharia was a democratic response to the will of the people in Kano at the time and that his inclusion in the bill is a result of international "misinformation."

​However, international human rights observers have lauded the move as a necessary step toward ending impunity. They argue that without external pressure, the cycle of sectarian violence and administrative religious bias in Nigeria will continue unabated.

​Conclusion: What Happens Next?

​As the bill moves through the US House of Representatives and the Senate, the Nigerian government faces a critical juncture. The administration must decide whether to engage in diplomatic dialogue to address the concerns raised by Smith and Moore or risk the implementation of sanctions that could destabilize the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

​The Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 serves as a stark reminder that in a globalized world, domestic policies—especially those affecting human rights and religious liberty—are under constant international watch.