US Congress Moves to Sanction Miyetti Allah, Fulani Militias Over Religious Violence in Nigeria

US lawmakers are urging sanctions against several Nigerian groups, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over allegations of complicity in religious killings and persecution. The call came through a resolution, H. Res. 860, introduced before the US House of Representatives on Tuesday and published on the Congress website the following day.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith and co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Huizenga, commends President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over religious freedom violations. The lawmakers accused Nigerian authorities of allowing escalating attacks against Christians and other religious minorities, referencing reports from NGOs and media sources documenting mass killings, kidnappings, and the destruction of worship centers.

“For over a decade, Islamic terror groups have carried out mass murder, rape, and abductions targeting Christians and non-Fulani Muslims,” the resolution stated. It cited the testimonies of religious leaders such as Father Remigius Iyhula and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who told a US congressional hearing earlier this year about targeted killings and intimidation in Benue State.

Supporters of the resolution said the CPC redesignation strengthens diplomatic leverage to demand accountability from Nigeria. They urged the US government to impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky framework, against individuals and entities linked to religious persecution. They specifically named Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and Fulani militias operating in Benue and Plateau States.

The resolution also directs the State Department to deliver humanitarian aid through faith-based groups assisting displaced persons in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and to ensure future US assistance is tied to measurable human-rights improvements.

It was referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for further review.

In response, Nigerian presidential aide Daniel Bwala, speaking on Russia National TV, dismissed the resolution as part of a media campaign aimed at discrediting President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He insisted that claims of state-backed religious persecution were unfounded and that credible monitors had found no evidence supporting accusations of genocide. Bwala also cautioned President Donald Trump to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid any plans involving the deployment of American troops.