A United States lawmaker, Rep. Riley M. Moore, has alleged that some Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining activities in Nigeria are indirectly financing terrorist groups operating within the country.

Moore made the allegation during an interview with Fox News on Friday, claiming that operators of illegal rare earth mineral mining sites pay protection fees to armed extremist groups, funds which he said are subsequently used to support terrorist activities.

According to the congressman, the issue formed part of a report he recently submitted to former US President Donald Trump following a fact-finding visit to Nigeria focused on alleged religious persecution.

“Earlier this week, I delivered my report detailing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria,” Moore said.

“One key aspect often overlooked is that Chinese nationals are allegedly running illegal rare earth mining operations in parts of Nigeria and paying protection money to radical Islamic groups. These funds, according to findings, are used to finance attacks and violence,” he added.

The lawmaker stated that his findings were compiled after engagements and investigations carried out during his visit to the country.

Reports indicate that the submission is currently under review by Trump, who had previously designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over issues relating to religious freedom.

Authorities in Nigeria have yet to officially respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.