U.S. bill triggers China’s rebuttal as diplomatic row unfolds over illegal mining in Nigeria
By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria’s troubled mining sector has become the unlikely stage for a diplomatic sparring match between the United States and China, after a proposed American bill accused Chinese nationals of illegal mining and alleged links to armed militias in parts of the country’s North.
Beijing has responded with unusual sharpness, dismissing the claims as “completely baseless” and warning against narratives it says could damage China-Nigeria relations.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the Federal Government is escalating its own enforcement campaign after the killing of a security officer during an anti-illegal mining operation in Niger State.
The controversy stems from a proposed US legislation titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced by Republican lawmakers in Washington. Among its provisions, the bill urges the US Secretary of State to work with Nigeria to counter what it describes as “hostile foreign exploitation” linked to illegal Chinese mining operations. It further alleges that some operators pay protection money to Fulani militias and recommends US technical support to help Nigeria address violence associated with such groups.
Though the bill is still at a legislative stage, its contents have already drawn a formal diplomatic reaction from China’s embassy in Abuja.
In a strongly worded statement, the embassy rejected what it called fabricated claims amplified by sections of the media, including allegations that “Chinese mining companies [are] funding terrorism.”
“These accusations are completely baseless,” the embassy said, expressing “firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction” and urging media outlets to refrain from spreading what it described as false information.
Chinese authorities insist that companies operating abroad are required to comply strictly with host country laws and regulations. The embassy maintained that most Chinese mining firms in Nigeria have an exemplary compliance record and have contributed positively to local communities through employment, environmental protection and economic support.
It also stressed that China respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports efforts to strengthen mining governance. Notably, the embassy pointed out that Chinese mining operators have themselves been victims of insecurity and terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the embassy maintains close communication with Nigerian authorities and remains ready to deepen cooperation to ensure “healthy and sustainable” mining collaboration between both countries.
While the diplomatic exchange unfolded, Nigeria was dealing with the very real dangers posed by illegal mining syndicates.
An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was recently killed when a joint patrol team was ambushed at Zuzungi in the Kataeregi area of Niger State. The patrol vehicle was also set ablaze during the attack, which occurred as operatives attempted to intercept suspects allegedly smuggling illegally extracted minerals.
The incident prompted a strong reaction from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who described the killing as a “criminal murder” and vowed that those responsible would be apprehended and prosecuted.
“The illegal miners responsible for the murder of the gallant officer will face the full wrath of the law,” Alake said, adding that security and intelligence agencies had been placed on red alert.
He also announced plans to deploy additional weapons and operational equipment to strengthen the Mining Marshals, a specialised enforcement unit drawn from the NSCDC to combat illegal mining nationwide.
Observers note that illegal mining has long undermined Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, particularly in mineral-rich states such as Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna and Plateau. Beyond depriving the country of legitimate revenue, the practice has been linked to environmental degradation, unsafe practices and the financing of criminal networks.
Security analysts note that illegal mining sites often overlap with areas affected by banditry and arms trafficking, creating dangerous conditions for enforcement personnel operating in remote terrain.
Alake insisted that the latest attack would not weaken the government’s resolve. Instead, he said, it reinforced the urgency of dismantling illegal mining cartels and restoring order to the industry.
The Federal Government’s renewed enforcement push comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reposition the mining sector as a major driver of economic diversification.
Alake pointed to Nigeria’s participation at the ongoing Mining Indaba in Cape Town, where the country is courting global investors eager to tap into its vast mineral deposits.
Sustaining investor confidence, he noted, requires firm action against violent and illegal operators who threaten legitimate business activity.
