Chinese government has dismissed as “completely baseless” allegations by five US Congressmen that it funds terrorism and ethnic militias in Nigeria through illegal mining operations.
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria issued a statement on Thursday rejecting claims in the “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026” introduced by Republican lawmakers Riley Moore (West Virginia), Chris Smith (New Jersey), Bill Huizenga (Michigan), Brian Mast (Florida), and Mario Diaz-Balart (Florida).
The bill accuses Chinese nationals of paying “protection money” to Fulani militias and radical Islamic groups to safeguard illegal mining sites, fueling religious violence, massacres, and displacement in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
“We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information,” the embassy stated, emphasising zero tolerance for illegal mining by Chinese nationals.
The embassy highlighted that most Chinese mining companies in Nigeria maintain “exemplary compliance” with local laws, contribute to communities, protect the environment, create jobs, and support bilateral economic ties.
“Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities. They have consistently supported and are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security,” it added.
The lawmakers’ legislation calls on the US Secretary of State to work with Nigeria against “hostile foreign exploitation” by Chinese operations, which they link to thousands of Christian deaths and ongoing atrocities.
China countered that it respects Nigeria’s sovereignty, maintains close ties with relevant authorities, and stands ready to deepen lawful mining cooperation for mutual benefit.
Prior investigations by SBM Intelligence and WikkiTimes documented instances of Chinese-affiliated miners bribing terror factions, including Dogo Gide’s group in Niger State’s Shiroro area, to access sites—with militants boasting of collecting “rent.”
The embassy reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s mining governance while rejecting the terrorism sponsorship narrative as unfounded.
