US slams visa restrictions on Nigerians linked to anti-Christian violence

The United States government has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals found to be responsible for attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the US State Department said the measure authorises the denial of visas to anyone who has directed, authorised, supported, participated in, or carried out religiously motivated abuses.

The policy is being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.

According to the statement, immediate family members of sanctioned individuals may also be affected.

“As President Trump has made clear, the United States will not remain silent while such atrocities occur in Nigeria and other affected countries,” the statement noted.

The policy, officials added, applies not only to Nigeria but to any government or individual involved in violations of religious freedom.

This development comes as the US and Nigerian governments discuss ongoing violent attacks by extremist groups across the country.

Tensions had earlier risen after US officials accused the Nigerian government of failing to curb anti-Christian violence—an allegation Nigeria firmly rejected.

Amid these concerns, President Donald Trump previously designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and even hinted at the possibility of deploying US troops in response to persistent insecurity.