The United States House of Representatives has called for sweeping sanctions and visa restrictions targeting individuals and groups allegedly involved in religious persecution and terrorism in Nigeria.
The proposal, filed as House Resolution 860 in the 119th Congress, urges the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose punitive measures against organisations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
It also demands that Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau States be placed on Washington’s list of “entities of particular concern.”
The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith and co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Huizenga, highlights what lawmakers describe as “a decade of unchecked violence and religious intolerance” across Nigeria.
Furthermore, the U.S. legislators accused extremist groups of carrying out large-scale atrocities, including killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of worship centres.
“For more than ten years, terrorist organisations have targeted Nigerian Christians and moderate Muslims, leading to countless deaths and mass displacement,” the resolution reads in part.
It also references the abduction and murder of religious leaders who promoted peace and coexistence.
Citing testimonies from Father Remigius Iyhula and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe before the House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier this year, the document claimed both clerics were later subjected to threats and intimidation after speaking out on the crisis.
Furthermore, the lawmakers praised U.S. President Donald Trump for his earlier decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), saying it helped spotlight ongoing violations of religious freedom.
“The return of Nigeria to the CPC list will boost diplomatic pressure on its government to safeguard religious minorities and uphold human rights,” the resolution stated.
If adopted, the measure would also tie future U.S. aid to Nigeria to measurable improvements in human rights and religious tolerance.
It proposed that humanitarian support be channelled directly to faith-based organisations assisting victims in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
“The international community can no longer look away,” Rep. Smith said while defending the motion.
“Nigeria’s government must demonstrate genuine commitment to ending religiously motivated violence.”
The resolution has been referred to both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
AFRIPOST reports that you its approval could mark a turning point in U.S.–Nigeria relations, particularly in how Washington addresses human rights and counterterrorism cooperation.
However, the Nigerian government has rejected the U.S. lawmakers’ claims, calling the move unfair and misleading. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the American assessment was based on “misrepresentation and misinformation.”
According to him, insecurity in Nigeria affects citizens across religious lines. “There is no targeted persecution of any faith group,” Idris stated.
“Our security agencies are tackling terrorism and violent crimes without discrimination. Any claim to the contrary is based on distorted data.”
He added that Nigeria remains committed to protecting all its citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The debate over religious freedom in Nigeria continues to attract global attention, with rights advocates urging both nations to work together on addressing the root causes of violence rather than trading accusations.