US House of Representatives Moves to Sanction Nigeria Over Alleged Religious Persecution
The United States House of Representatives has introduced a resolution urging sanctions against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians and other religious minorities. The measure, which has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for further consideration, has reignited debate about the country’s human rights record and the role of international intervention in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
According to the sponsors of the resolution, Nigeria has witnessed worsening religious violence over the past decade, primarily targeting Christian communities and moderate Muslim groups. Citing reports from international NGOs, media investigations, and testimonies from victims, the resolution accuses both terrorist organizations and state actors of fostering a climate of impunity.
The document reads in part: “For over a decade, Islamic terror organizations have carried out mass murder, rape, kidnappings, and other atrocities targeting mostly Nigerian Christians and non-Fulani moderate Muslim populations, resulting in mass displacement and destruction of places of worship.”
It further alleges that religious leaders, including priests and imams advocating for tolerance, have been victims of abduction or assassination. Figures such as Father Remigius Iyhula and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who testified before the US House Foreign Affairs Committee earlier in 2025, reportedly faced intimidation from both extremist groups and government authorities following their testimonies.
Supporters of the measure insist that the re-designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) is necessary to strengthen diplomatic pressure. They argue that the move would compel the Nigerian government to improve its protection of religious minorities and uphold fundamental rights.
“The designation of Nigeria as a CPC will enhance diplomatic efforts to encourage the Nigerian government to take necessary actions to protect religious minorities and uphold human rights,” the sponsors stated.
Related News
DSS Tells Court Kaduna Man’s Tweets Could Drag Nigeria into Israel–Iran Conflict
Nigeria’s domestic intelligence agency, the Department of State Services (DSS), has told a court that social media posts allegedly made…
Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens from Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
The Nigerian government has started evacuating its citizens from Iran as tensions in the Middle East intensify.
Nigeria Surpasses India in Number of People Living in Poverty – Report
New data shared by Statisense suggests that Nigeria now has a higher number of people living below the poverty line…
The resolution also calls for President Donald Trump to act “appropriately and decisively” in redesignating Nigeria under the CPC framework and holding its government accountable for alleged complicity in religious persecution by radical Islamist groups, including Boko Haram and Fulani militant groups.
Among the recommendations are several punitive measures: the US Departments of State and Treasury are urged to impose targeted sanctions such as visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Act. The resolution also specifically names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, proposing that they be listed as entities of particular concern.
It further recommends conditioning future US foreign assistance to Nigeria on measurable progress in curbing religiously motivated violence, prosecuting perpetrators, and supporting internally displaced persons, particularly in the Middle Belt region.
Additionally, lawmakers demand greater transparency in how US security and development funds are utilized in Nigeria, insisting that future assistance be tied to “verifiable improvements in human rights outcomes.”
If adopted, the resolution would signal congressional endorsement of the Trump administration’s stance and could pave the way for broader legislative or executive actions, including financial and diplomatic penalties.
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, rejected the allegations, describing them as “misrepresentation and misinformation.” He insisted that Nigeria’s security challenges are not religiously motivated.
“Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike,” Idris said. “Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to act against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.”
The minister argued that terrorist and bandit groups in Nigeria operate with criminal motives, not religious ideology, and that the government continues to take steps to restore peace and security across all regions.
While the resolution still awaits debate and approval in the US Congress, it has already sparked mixed reactions across Nigeria. Supporters say it could pressure the government to act more decisively against extremists, while critics warn that sanctions could worsen the country’s economic conditions and strain diplomatic relations with Washington.