The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of violating religious freedom.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a post on X on Wednesday that the restrictions will apply to individuals who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom.”
Rubio’s statement followed a roundtable in Washington convened by US lawmakers with experts on religious freedom and foreign relations to examine escalating violence and the “targeted persecution” of Christians in Nigeria.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” Rubio said. “This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”
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Last month, Congressman Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, introduced a resolution recommending visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
At the Washington roundtable, Smith named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities implicated in anti-Christian violence.
He also urged that “Fulani-ethnic militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states be listed as entities of particular concern under the International Religious Freedom Act.
In response, MACBAN called on Congress to withdraw the visa ban recommendation, arguing that the resolution failed to distinguish between criminal gangs and law-abiding pastoralists who are also victims of Nigeria’s deteriorating security situation.
During the discussion, Smith accused the Nigerian government of complicity in religious persecution, raising concerns over the country’s handling of sectarian violence.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
