US Slams Visa Ban On Nigerians Behind Anti-Christian Attacks.

The United States has announced fresh visa restrictions on Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom.

According to a post on X by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, the sanctions will apply to individuals who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support or carry out violations of religious freedom.”

Rubio’s statement followed a high-level roundtable held a day earlier by US lawmakers in Washington, where foreign relations and religious freedom experts assessed Nigeria’s worsening violence and the alleged “targeted persecution” of Christians.

He explained that the new visa policy affects Nigeria as well as any government or individual involved in persecuting people based on their beliefs.

Rubio emphasised that the decision is part of Washington’s broader response to what it views as “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria and in other regions.

He wrote:
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world.
“The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.
“This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”

The congressional roundtable formed part of ongoing inquiries initiated under President Donald Trump’s directive.

Last month, Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, presented a resolution urging visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and entities implicated in severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Smith, who also spoke at Tuesday’s roundtable, named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as offending groups.

He additionally recommended that the United States designate “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern, EPC, under the International Religious Freedom Act.

In its reaction, MACBAN appealed to the US Congress to discard the recommendation, arguing that it unfairly blurs the line between criminal networks acting independently and peaceful pastoralists who are themselves victims of Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

During the session, Smith also accused the Nigerian government of being complicit in what he described as “religious persecution.”