US initiates visa ban on religious freedom violators in Nigeria

The United States has initiated a new visa restriction policy targeting individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, as stated by Mark Walker, the US principal adviser for global religious freedom.

This policy, announced by Secretary of State Marco Rubio in December, is directed at those who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or engage in violations of religious freedom.”

This action is part of a larger US response to what officials describe as “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria and worldwide. It follows a resolution introduced by Chris Smith, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, which called for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organizations associated with significant religious freedom abuses.

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Specifically, the resolution highlighted concerns regarding the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Walker provided an update via X on Friday, confirming that the policy enforcement is already in progress. He stated, “We have already executed on this policy, and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny,” but did not disclose the names of those affected.

He also issued a stern warning, stating, “If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America. The United States is safer when we prevent those responsible for religious persecution from entering our country.”

Additionally, in February, US lawmakers proposed sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, citing his involvement in religious freedom violations.