US Targets Nigerians Over Religious Persecution

The United States has announced that it will impose visa restrictions on Nigerians and other foreign nationals involved in religious persecution, escalating its pressure on governments and individuals accused of enabling or participating in violence against Christian communities and other religious groups. The decision was disclosed on Wednesday by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a statement posted on X.

Rubio said Washington is taking a tougher stance following rising attacks on religious minorities, noting that the new measure would target anyone who “knowingly directs, authorises, funds, supports or carries out violations of religious freedom.” The restrictions will also apply to the family members of offenders, extending the scope of US sanctions beyond the immediate perpetrators.

The policy is being implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act and reflects what officials describe as a broader shift toward using visa sanctions as a diplomatic tool in human rights enforcement. Rubio specifically cited mass killings carried out by “radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors” in Nigeria, adding that similar measures would be applied to other countries where religious persecution persists.

The directive follows growing international concern over a surge in deadly attacks in Nigeria, particularly those affecting Christian communities in the Middle Belt and northern states. While the motives behind such violence vary—from extremist terrorism to communal clashes and resource-based conflicts—the cumulative effect has heightened global alarm. Nigeria, with an estimated population of 220 million split almost evenly between Christians and Muslims, has experienced persistent insecurity from Boko Haram insurgents, armed bandits, and communal militias. These groups have targeted both Christians and Muslims, as well as schools and rural communities.

The move comes a month after US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” for what he described as widespread killings of Christians and alleged systematic religious persecution. The designation reverses the State Department’s 2021 decision to remove Nigeria from the blacklist, citing then-improving conditions. Trump said recent figures showing Nigeria accounting for more than 3,000 of the 4,476 Christian deaths recorded globally demanded an immediate and forceful US response. He also recently directed the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military options related to Nigeria’s security situation.

Within Nigeria, the federal government is pursuing its own strategy to address rising insecurity. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier declared a nationwide security emergency, authorising a significant expansion of law enforcement and counter-terrorism operations. The administration approved the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers, raising the projected total to 50,000, and expanded deployments of security agencies, including specially trained forest units under the Department of State Services. Officials say these efforts aim to dismantle armed groups, suppress banditry, and restore security in communities affected by extremist and criminal violence.

The US visa restrictions add to mounting international scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights and security challenges. Washington said it will continue monitoring developments and may take additional actions if attacks on religious communities persist.