The United States is tightening pressure on Nigeria over rising religiously-motivated violence, announcing imminent visa restrictions for individuals accused of undermining religious freedom.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action targets those who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out persecution based on religious beliefs, adding that the policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or groups implicated in attacks on faith communities.
Rubio linked the decision to ongoing atrocities and attacks against Christians in Nigeria and globally. His remarks followed a congressional roundtable convened in Washington where lawmakers and experts examined what they called the escalating persecution of Christians.
The discussion forms part of a wider inquiry ordered by President Donald Trump, who recently warned that the US could halt aid to Nigeria and even consider military action if attacks on Christians persist.
Pressure has intensified since Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution seeking visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and organisations deemed responsible for severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
Smith cited the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and called for Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau to be placed on a special watch list under US law. MACBAN rejected the allegations and urged Congress to withdraw the recommendation, insisting the group does not represent criminal gangs exploiting the country’s worsening insecurity.
During the hearing, Smith accused the Nigerian government of complicity in religious persecution. Other lawmakers expressed deep frustration, questioning Abuja’s capability and political will to protect Christian communities and other victims of extremist violence.
Congressman Bill Huizenga criticised the Nigerian delegation for allegedly downplaying the crisis in Washington, arguing that the government is not doing enough to curb radicalised Islamist attacks.
Another lawmaker, Andy Olszewski, said Nigeria’s inability to safeguard citizens must attract accountability, stressing that governance failures cannot excuse mass atrocities.
As advocacy groups push for stronger action, tensions grew further following US calls for Nigeria to abolish Sharia law and disband Hisbah bodies in the north.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad welcomed sanctions against those fueling violence but condemned demands affecting Nigeria’s legal and cultural systems, denouncing them as interference in domestic affairs.
Responding to concerns raised at the hearing, US officials acknowledged Nigeria’s size and resources but urged a stronger focus on countering religiously targeted attacks within its broader security challenge.
They also noted delays that halted a youth peacebuilding programme in the northeast, despite its role in fostering interfaith collaboration.
The latest move comes after Nigeria was redesignated a Country of Particular Concern, a status that opens the door to further US punitive measures as lawmakers continue to call for urgent steps to prevent more mass killings.
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