China has dismissed the U.S. Congress’s allegation that Chinese miners are financing Boko Haram and other terrorists in Nigeria under the pretext of paying “protection money” to carry out illegal mining operations as false.

“Recently, a bill introduced by certain U.S. congressmen groundlessly accused China of engaging in illegal mining operations in Nigeria and paying protection money to specific militia groups. Some media reported on this bill and fabricated such rumours as ‘Chinese mining companies funding terrorism’.

“These accusations are completely baseless. We express our firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction, and request that the relevant media immediately cease spreading such false information,” the Chinese embassy in Nigeria said on Thursday.

It added, “The Chinese side has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty and supports Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen mining governance in accordance with law and regulations. It must be emphasised that Chinese mining enterprises in Nigeria are victims of terrorist activities. They have consistently supported and are willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard national security.”

The U.S. Congress accused Chinese miners in Nigeria of financing Boko Haram and other terrorists in Nigeria under the pretext of paying “protection money” to carry out illegal mining operations.

Congressmen Riley Moore and Chris Smith made the allegations on Tuesday in a bill titled ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026’, aimed at ending religious freedom violations in the West African nation.

According to the Republican representatives, the Chinese miners were exploiting Nigeria’s solid minerals, at the same time, compromising its national security by bankrolling the terrorists responsible for years of deadly attacks and economic disruption.