US Moves To Impose Visa Ban, Freeze Assets Of Miyetti Allah Over ‘Christian Persecution’

A new bill presented in the US Congress is seeking sanctions and other restrictions against individuals and organizations accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.

The legislation specifically nwmd the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as groups allegedly involved in such abuses.

The bill, introduced by US Representative Chris Smith, calls for measures such as visa bans and asset freezes targeting members of these organizations.

Smith unveiled the legislation on Tuesday, commending President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) due to ongoing religious persecution.

“President Donald J. Trump acted appropriately and decisively to redesignate Nigeria as a CPC and hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in religious persecution by radical Islamists, such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists,” Smith said.

The bill also noted that the US has already listed “Fulani Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.

The Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) is a category reserved for non-state actors that commit severe violations of religious rights.

Smith’s bill further recommends that the US provide humanitarian aid directly to faith-based organizations assisting internally displaced persons in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.

It also calls for US foreign assistance including global health funding to be tied to Nigeria’s progress in addressing religious freedom abuses.

The bill urges the creation of long-term peace and stability strategies, requiring the Nigerian government to act swiftly against religious persecution, prosecute offenders, support displaced citizens, and uphold constitutional rights to freedom of worship.

On the same day Smith introduced his bill, US Senator Ted Cruz announced his support for holding Nigerian officials accountable for alleged genocide against Christians.

Cruz is sponsoring the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, aimed at protecting Christians and other religious minorities from persecution.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Donald Trump had warned that the US might consider military intervention if Nigeria’s leaders failed to safeguard Christians in the country.