US Begins Visa Ban On Religious Freedom Violators In Nigeria

The United States has begun enforcing a new visa restriction policy aimed at individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, according to Mark Walker, the US principal adviser for global religious freedom.

The policy, announced in December by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.”

It forms part of broader US action in response to what officials described as “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria and globally.

The move followed a resolution introduced by Chris Smith, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, which recommended visa bans and asset freezes for individuals and organisations linked to severe religious freedom ab¥ses.

The resolution specifically named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities of concern. Providing an update on Friday via X, Walker confirmed that enforcement is already underway.

“We have already executed on this policy, and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny,” he said, without naming those affected. He added a strong warning, “If you engage in p£rsecution, you are not welcome in America.

The United States is safer when we keep those responsible for religious p£rsecution from entering our homeland.”

In February, US lawmakers also proposed sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State, alleging his complicity in religious freedom Continue Your, Reading. .