Nigeria Faces US Pressure as Lawmakers Back Sanctions on Groups Accused of Religious Persecution
The United States House of Representatives has called on the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organisations, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The call was contained in Resolution H. Res. 860, introduced on Tuesday in the 119th Congress by Representative Christopher Smith, with Representative Paul Huizenga as co-sponsor. The resolution, seen on the official US Congress website, commends former President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
Trump had earlier declared Nigeria a CPC on his Truth Social page and threatened possible military action if the alleged killings of Christians were not stopped.
The lawmakers accused the Nigerian government of failing to curb the persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. They cited findings from non-governmental organisations and media reports alleging large-scale killings, destruction of worship centres, and impunity for perpetrators.
“For over a decade, Islamic terror organisations have carried out mass murder, rape, kidnappings, and other atrocities targeting mostly Nigerian Christians and non-Fulani moderate Muslim populations,” the resolution stated. It added that religious leaders promoting tolerance, including priests and imams, had faced threats and assassinations.
Supporters of the measure said the redesignation would strengthen diplomatic leverage to demand accountability from the Nigerian government. They argued that the designation would “enhance diplomatic efforts to encourage Nigeria to protect religious minorities and uphold fundamental human rights.”
The resolution further urged the United States to condition foreign assistance to Nigeria on demonstrable efforts to prevent persecution, prosecute offenders, and provide relief for displaced persons.
It also called for targeted sanctions—including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act—on individuals and entities responsible for religious persecution, including Miyetti Allah and Fulani militias operating in Benue and Plateau states.
