US Lawmakers Push Visa Bans, Asset Freezes against Miyetti Allah Groups

Lawmakers in the United States Congress have introduced a bill seeking visa bans and asset freezes against leaders and members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over alleged violations of religious freedom against Christians in Nigeria.

Representative Smith Christopher, who sponsored the bill, praised President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, a classification reserved for nations accused of severe religious persecution.

The legislation also proposes designating Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau states as “Entities of Particular Concern,” grouping them alongside Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and other extremist organizations.

The move has sparked reactions in Abuja, where the Federal Government said it remains calm and is engaging the United States through diplomatic channels. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told reporters after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting that Nigeria was not in panic mode and remains committed to ensuring the safety of all citizens regardless of religion.

He said discussions with Washington had already begun, adding that Nigeria preferred to address the matter diplomatically rather than through rhetoric. Idris emphasized that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that the government continues to take steps to address insecurity across the country.

President Bola Tinubu, in remarks following an economic briefing by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, reaffirmed his commitment to defeating terrorism and deepening global engagement. Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to engage partners despite political headwinds, pledging to “move forward with unity and purpose” in line with his Renewed Hope agenda.

In Washington, US Senator Ted Cruz voiced support for additional sanctions targeting Nigerian officials accused of enabling religious persecution, backing the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.” Supporters of the bills argue that these measures are necessary to protect Christian communities that have suffered repeated attacks in several northern and central states.

Meanwhile, reports from the New York Times suggest that the US military has drawn up contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria. The plans, reportedly ordered by President Trump, outline several levels of engagement ranging from intelligence-sharing operations to potential drone or airstrike campaigns against militant groups.

Senior Pentagon officials, however, are said to have cautioned that limited strikes would not end Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency unless followed by a large-scale campaign, something Washington is not currently considering.

President Trump recently warned that the US might “go in guns-a-blazing” if Nigeria fails to stop the killing of Christians, describing the violence as a “mass slaughter.” He said the United States could cut aid and intervene militarily to “wipe out Islamic terrorists” responsible for the killings.

In a response, President Tinubu rejected claims that Nigeria is hostile toward Christians, stressing that the country remains a democracy committed to religious freedom and tolerance. He said his administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders to ensure the protection of all citizens, promising continued collaboration with the United States and other partners to strengthen religious and community safety across the country.