A new bill introduced in the United States Congress seeks to impose visa bans and asset freezes on 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.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Christopher Smith, follows the U.S. re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act — a status given to countries accused of serious violations of religious freedom.
Smith praised U.S. President Donald Trump for the decision, which came amid growing tensions between Washington and Abuja over allegations of religious persecution.
The Nigerian Federal Government, however, dismissed any panic, saying it has opened diplomatic discussions with the U.S. to address the concerns.
Information Minister Mohammed Idris said after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting that Nigeria remains committed to protecting citizens’ rights regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“The killing of even one Nigerian is a concern to the government,” he stated, adding that the country guarantees freedom of religion under its Constitution.
He emphasized that Nigeria is stable and calm, despite the U.S. stance, and that the government is working closely with international partners to address security challenges.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu said his administration will continue to engage global partners diplomatically, vowing to defeat terrorism and uphold national unity.
“The task ahead is immense, but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose,” Tinubu said.
Reports from The New York Times revealed that the U.S. Pentagon is drafting contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria following Trump’s directive to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians. The options reportedly include limited drone strikes or full-scale operations, though officials admit such actions may not end the insurgency.
In addition to Miyetti Allah groups, the bill names “Fulani Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) — a category reserved for non-state actors accused of severe religious violations.
Senator Ted Cruz also introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, calling for sanctions on Nigerian officials who enforce or promote blasphemy laws.
Supporters of the U.S. legislation argue it aims to protect religious minorities and hold violators accountable. Critics, however, say Nigeria’s violence is driven more by political, economic, and social issues than religion.
Reacting to Trump’s earlier threats of military action, President Tinubu rejected claims that Nigeria is hostile toward Christians, affirming that religious freedom remains a constitutional guarantee.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said, adding that his administration continues to engage both Christian and Muslim leaders to ensure peace across all regions.
The proposed U.S. sanctions bill is still under consideration in Congress and, if passed, could affect Nigeria-U.S. relations, especially in areas of security cooperation and human rights.
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