US lawmakers mull visa ban on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah over alleged religious persecution

Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso

Five Republican lawmakers in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a bill seeking to pressure the Nigerian government over alleged religious persecution and mass atrocities.

The proposed legislation, titled “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026,” calls for the US Secretary of State to produce a detailed report on American efforts to address the ongoing situation in Nigeria.

If passed, the bill would allow the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions — including visa bans and asset freezes — on individuals or organisations found responsible for serious violations of religious freedom.

Among those named in the bill for potential sanctions are the former Kano State Governor and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso; the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore; and other groups described as “Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria.”

The bill was introduced on Tuesday by Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga, with Moore credited as the principal author.

APC ready to receive Kwankwaso — Yilwatda

The lawmakers commended US President Donald Trump’s November 2025 decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for religious freedom violations, describing it as a just action.

According to the bill, the US should employ “all available diplomatic, humanitarian, economic, and security tools” to pressure Nigeria into ending impunity for perpetrators and protecting vulnerable religious communities, including Christians.

The bill also directs the Secretary of State to consider whether certain Fulani-ethnic militias should be classified as foreign terrorist organizations.

The legislation encourages humanitarian assistance — co-funded by the Nigerian government — through trusted civil society groups, including faith-based organisations, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states.

Moore, who has been vocal about claims of systemic Christian persecution in Nigeria, visited the country in November 2025 to assess the situation.

The Trump administration, following the CPC designation, also authorised coordinated strikes with the Nigerian government against terrorirts on December 25, 2025.

The Star