United States Congressman Rep. Riley M. Moore has alleged that Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining in Nigeria are financing terrorism in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Moore said the miners reportedly pay protection money to Islamic extremists, which is then used to fund attacks. He also noted that his recent report to President Donald Trump highlighted the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Moore stated, “One key point that has been missing is that illegal rare earth mineral mining operations are paying protection money to radical Islamic terrorists, who then use it to carry out attacks against Christians.”
The lawmaker, who visited Nigeria for a fact-finding mission regarding alleged persecution, has submitted his findings to President Trump. The report is currently under review, following Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) regarding religious freedoms.
