US Lawmaker Accuses Chinese Miners of Financing Terrorism in Nigeria

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore has accused Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Nigeria of funding local terrorism. Speaking with Fox News, Moore claimed these miners pay “protection money” to radical groups to secure their operations.

The lawmaker revealed that these payments are directly used by Islamic radicals to finance violent operations.

He stated, “They are paying protection money to radical Islamic terrorists who use that money to finance their operations to persecute and kill our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

The findings were part of a report delivered to President Donald Trump following Moore’s recent fact-finding mission to Nigeria. The mission was launched to investigate allegations of genocide and systemic violence against religious minorities.

Moore highlighted that Chinese-run illegal mining of rare earth minerals is a critical but often overlooked factor in the conflict. He argued that the economic interests of these miners are sustaining the insurgency.

President Trump is currently reviewing the report as his administration considers Nigeria’s status. Nigeria has previously been designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to severe violations of religious freedom.

The revelation adds a new international dimension to Nigeria’s security challenges, linking global mineral demand to domestic terror financing. The report calls for urgent attention to the role of foreign entities in destabilizing the region.