China Embassy debunks allegations of Chinese miners funding terrorists in Nigeria

Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has rejected U. S allegations that Chinese miners are involved in illegal mining and funding of terrorist activities in Nigeria describing them as false, baseless and damaging to China Nigeria relations.

The Embassy said a bill introduced by “certain U.S. congressmen” had “groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups.”

The Embassy also faulted media reports, saying they amplified the bill and escalated the claims, adding that some outlets went further to fabricate what it described as damaging narratives.

It said China has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to comply strictly with the laws and regulations of host countries, insisting that Chinese businesses operating in Nigeria are expected to operate within Nigerian legal frameworks.

The Embassy described the allegations as completely baseless and urged relevant media to immediately stop spreading false information.

The statement reads, “Some media reported on this bill and fabricated such rumors as ‘Chinese mining companies funding terrorism.’ These accusations are completely baseless. We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information.

“The Chinese Embassy has consistently required Chinese companies and citizens overseas to strictly abide by the laws and regulations of the host country, to operate lawfully and compliantly, and to show zero tolerance toward any enterprise involved in illegal or criminal activities,” the statement said.

The Embassy highlighted the positive record of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria, saying most have maintained compliance with Nigerian laws and contributed to local communities, supported economic development and created jobs.

“The overwhelming majority of Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have set an exemplary record of compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations.

“They actively give back to local communities, fulfill their social responsibilities, protect the natural environment, and have made positive contributions to deepening bilateral mining cooperation, supporting local economic development, and creating employment opportunities,” the statement added.

On governance, the Embassy said China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mining regulation in line with the law, adding that it maintains close communication and cooperation with relevant Nigerian authorities.

The Embassy stressed that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria have also been victims of terrorist activities, and said they are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.

The Embassy added that China remains ready to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in the mining sector and strengthen governance to promote healthy, orderly and sustainable development of China Nigeria mining cooperation.

The Embassy urged relevant parties to stop spreading rumors and slander, warning that such narratives could undermine China Nigeria friendly cooperation and damage the friendship between both countries.

A bill introduced in the United States House of Representatives sparked the controversy by alleging that Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria are involved in illegal mining and funding militias.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced by five Republican lawmakers: Chris Smith, Riley Moore (bill author), Brian Mast, Mario Diaz Balart, and Bill Huizenga.

The sponsors of the bill claimed that illegal Chinese mining operations in Nigeria engage in the “destabilizing practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.”

They proposed that the U.S. Secretary of State work with the Nigerian government to counter what the bill describes as “hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations,” and also consider providing technical support to reduce violence.

Clause 10 and 11 of the proposed legislation read as follows: “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;

“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 bill also stipulates that the U.S. Department of State should enlist international partners including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom to work with the Nigerian government to promote religious freedom and peace. It further states that the Secretary of State is expected to determine whether certain “Fulani ethnic militias” in Nigeria qualify as “Foreign Terrorist Organisation.”