Key Points

• US restricts visas for Nigerians linked to religious freedom violations.
• Lawmakers push investigations into attacks on Christians.
• Groups named in roundtable defend their positions.

The United States has introduced new visa restrictions targeting Nigerians accused of undermining religious freedom.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed the decision in a post on X on Wednesday. He said the policy affects anyone who directs, authorises, funds or supports violations linked to religious persecution.

His announcement followed a roundtable held by US lawmakers in Washington. The session brought together foreign policy and religious freedom experts to examine rising violence and what lawmakers described as targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

Rubio noted that the restrictions cover individuals in Nigeria and anywhere else that engage in religious persecution.

He described the move as part of Washington’s response to what he called atrocities committed against Christians in Nigeria and other countries.

Lawmakers press for stronger action

The latest development aligns with ongoing congressional investigations ordered by President Donald Trump.

Last month, Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution recommending visa bans and asset freezes for people and groups involved in severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

Smith attended Tuesday’s roundtable. He named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities linked to attacks.

He also urged the US government to place Fulani-Ethnic Militias operating in Benue and Plateau on the Entities of Particular Concern list under the International Religious Freedom Act.

Groups push back

MACBAN reacted to Smith’s comments. The group urged the US Congress to withdraw the recommendations.

It said the resolution blurred distinctions between criminal gangs and law-abiding pastoralists who also suffer from Nigeria’s worsening security situation.

During the discussions, Smith accused the Nigerian government of failing to act. He linked this to what he described as religious persecution carried out under its watch.

Wider debate continues

The roundtable came as violence, attacks and reprisal killings across several states continue to draw international attention.

The US maintains that visa bans are part of a broader effort to pressure governments and individuals involved in abuses tied to religious identity.

More hearings are expected in the coming months as lawmakers push for further accountability.