Nigeria, Feb. 12 -- Five Republican lawmakers in the United States have argued that Chinese nationals involved in "illegal mining" operations are paying terrorists for protection.

The lawmakers-Riley Moore of West Virginia, Chris Smith (New Jersey), Bill Huizenga (Michigan), Brian Mast (Florida) and Mario Diaz-Balart (Florida)-made this submission in a new bill aimed at addressing what they described as ongoing religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

The bill titled 'Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026' is "expected to move through the House quickly and gain widespread support," Mr Smith said in a statement published on his official website.

Noting that President Donald Trump has an interest in the is...