US Senator Pushes For Sanctions On Nigerian Officials, 12 States Over Sharia, Blasphemy Laws.

Ted Cruz.

United States Senator Ted Cruz has called on the White House to impose sanctions on Nigerian government officials and 12 state governments accused of enforcing Sharia and blasphemy laws used to persecute Christians.

Speaking in Washington on Wednesday, Cruz applauded President Donald Trump for restoring Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) — a status the U.S. State Department gives to nations found guilty of serious violations of religious freedom.

The designation, which had been withdrawn during President Joe Biden’s administration, was reinstated last week after strong pressure from religious freedom campaigners and conservative lawmakers in the United States.

Cruz, who has repeatedly criticised the Biden administration’s stance on global religious rights, accused the former president of ignoring what he described as the “mass killing of Christians” by extremists in northern Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, Joe Biden came into office and immediately removed Nigeria from the list,” Cruz said.
“He lifted pressure, ended sanctions, and looked away while radical terrorists continued slaughtering Christians.”

The senator described Trump’s action as both “necessary and moral,” saying it was long overdue.

“When President Trump was re-elected, I led efforts urging him to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Last Friday, he did, and it was absolutely the right thing to do,” Cruz stated.

He also revealed that he had introduced a new bill aimed at placing visa bans, asset freezes, and other financial sanctions on Nigerian officials and state governments allegedly enforcing laws that violate religious freedom.

“I’ve introduced a bill that would sanction those responsible for facilitating or condoning these mass atrocities,” Cruz said.
“Twelve Nigerian states enforce Sharia law and blasphemy laws. These are being used to persecute Christians, and the officials involved are complicit.”

Cruz urged the White House to use every available sanctioning tool to pressure Nigerian authorities into halting religious persecution.

“These actions are not about punishing Nigeria, they’re about incentivising change and protecting innocent lives,” he added.

The renewed push for sanctions comes after President Trump warned that the United States “will not stand by while Christians are being killed” in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by the White House, Trump confirmed that Nigeria had officially been restored to the CPC list and warned that the U.S. could withdraw aid or take military action if the killings continue.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump said. “Thousands are being killed by radical Islamists. The United States will not tolerate these atrocities.”

Trump also directed congressional leaders, including Rep. Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chair Tom Cole, to immediately review U.S. aid to Nigeria and report their findings.

“The U.S. is willing and able to defend religious minorities. The killing of Christians will not continue under our watch,” Trump added.

The Nigerian government has dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. Officials in Abuja maintain that the violence in some parts of the country is driven by crime, ethnic clashes, and banditry — not religion.

“The Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and protects all faiths,” a government spokesperson said. “The claim that there is a campaign of Christian genocide is inaccurate and unfair.”

Nigeria was first designated as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 during President Trump’s first term, following reports of increased attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The designation was later removed under President Biden in 2021 amid diplomatic talks with the Nigerian government.

Human rights organisations and global observers have, however, continued to warn of worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria, where thousands have been killed or displaced in attacks by armed groups.

If Senator Cruz’s proposed sanctions are approved, it could mark one of the most serious diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Nigeria in recent years.