United States Congressman Riley Moore has accused Chinese nationals involved in illegal rare earth mineral mining in Nigeria of sponsoring terrorism in the country.

According to Moore, some Chinese nationals involved in unauthorized mining activities are paying protection fees to local militant groups.

He claims that these funds may ultimately support extremist organizations accused of carrying out attacks, including violence against Christian communities.

The Congressman made the remarks as part of broader discussion in Nigeria. He urged stronger oversight of illegal mining activities and increased efforts to disrupt any financial networks that could be linked to armed violence.

While illegal mining by foreign nationals has been reported in various parts of Nigeria, there has been no independent public confirmation from Nigerian authorities or international investigators verifying a direct, systematic link between mining proceeds and terrorist financing.

The allegations have intensified debate about security challenges, foreign participation in Nigeria’s mining sector, and the broader fight against militant violence in the country.