Chinese Embassy In Nigeria Rejects Allegations Of Funding Militias
By ANDERSON CLIFF
China Denies Allegations in US Bill
THE government of China has rejected allegations by five United States lawmakers accusing Chinese nationals of sponsoring illegal mining and financing terrorism in Nigeria.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria described the claims as “completely baseless” and expressed “firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction” over what it called false accusations circulating in the media.
The allegations are contained in a proposed US legislation titled the “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,” introduced by Republican lawmakers Riley Moore, Chris Smith, Bill Huizenga, Brian Mast and Mario Diaz-Balart. The bill links Chinese illegal mining operations in Nigeria to terrorism financing and religious violence.
The lawmakers alleged that Chinese nationals engaged in illegal mining were paying protection money to armed groups, including Fulani militias, to safeguard mining sites.
Embassy Insists on Zero Tolerance
Responding, the Chinese embassy said Beijing requires its nationals and companies abroad to comply strictly with local laws, stressing that China has “zero tolerance” for illegal mining activities.
According to the statement, the majority of Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria maintain an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian regulations, contribute to local development and protect the environment.
The embassy added that Chinese firms actively support community development initiatives and job creation, contributing positively to bilateral mining cooperation between both countries.
It further stated that China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports efforts by Nigerian authorities to strengthen mining governance in accordance with the law.
Victims, Not Sponsors
The embassy also rejected claims that Chinese firms were funding militant groups, arguing instead that some Chinese enterprises have themselves been victims of terrorist attacks.
It said the mission maintains close communication with Nigerian authorities and stands ready to collaborate further to enhance mining governance, protect investments and promote sustainable cooperation.
The controversy follows persistent claims by some US lawmakers that religious persecution and mass atrocities are ongoing in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the Middle Belt. Two of the sponsors of the bill, Moore and Smith, have previously advanced narratives of Christian genocide in Nigeria and supported the designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
However, previous independent investigations have raised concerns about illegal mining networks. A report by SBM Intelligence alleged that some foreign mining operators paid armed groups for access to sites. Similarly, an investigation by WikkiTimes linked certain Chinese-affiliated miners to payments made to a faction led by Dogo Gide in Niger State.
Despite these reports, the Chinese government maintains that it does not condone unlawful practices and remains committed to lawful, transparent and mutually beneficial mining partnerships with Nigeria.
