By DAYO ADESULU
The United States government has announced sweeping US visa restrictions on persecutors of Christians in Nigeria, escalating international pressure on the Nigerian government over rising concerns about religious freedom and targeted attacks. The new policy was announced on Wednesday by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington would block entry for individuals responsible for directing, funding, supporting, or enabling violations of religious freedom.
The move follows President Donald Trump’s recent decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)—a classification reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious rights. Trump had previously described the situation in Nigeria as “genocide against Christians,” insisting that Washington could no longer remain silent in the face of what he called widespread and systemic violence.
Washington Targets Religious Persecutors With New Visa Policy
In a statement posted on his official X account, Secretary Rubio said the United States was taking “decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world.” He stressed that the State Department would impose visa bans on anyone found culpable in attacks or policies that undermine religious freedom.
According to Rubio, the restrictions apply to individuals who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, or support violations of religious rights. “This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs,” he added.
The announcement immediately intensified global attention on Nigeria’s religious tensions, which have drawn widespread criticism from lawmakers, rights groups, and international observers.
Trump’s Broader Push on Nigeria’s Religious Crisis
The visa restrictions come days after Trump’s explosive declaration on his Truth Social platform, where he insisted that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat.” He accused extremist groups of orchestrating mass killings, particularly in northern and central states.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump wrote. “Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.” He said the United States must intervene, adding that he had instructed key members of Congress—including Rep. Riley Moore and Rep. Tom Cole—to investigate the situation and report back with urgent recommendations.
Trump extended his warning with a broader statement: “The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world.”
His comments triggered a wave of reactions from U.S. lawmakers, many of whom echoed concerns about rising abductions, targeted killings, and attacks on churches.
American Lawmakers Demand Stronger Action
Among the most vocal supporters of Trump’s stance was Rep. Riley Moore, who condemned the recent abduction of children and teachers from St. Mary Catholic School in Niger State. Moore described the attack as part of a disturbing pattern.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters in Christ in Nigeria who are persecuted daily,” he said. “No one should be targeted for their faith.”
Other lawmakers took their concerns to the House Appropriations Committee’s joint congressional briefing, where the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria dominated discussions. Legislators argued that the Nigerian government must be held accountable for failing to address worsening insecurity.
Congressman Chris Smith delivered one of the strongest critiques, warning Nigerian leaders that Washington would not allow their silence or inaction to continue. Smith said the Nigerian government had a constitutional duty to protect lives but stressed that perpetrators “operate with complete impunity.”
He accused authorities of deliberately slowing efforts to address religiously motivated killings and abductions. Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, signaled that further actions could follow if Abuja failed to act decisively.
International Pressure Mounts Amid Religious Freedom Concerns
The policy shift—rooted in US visa restrictions on persecutors of Christians in Nigeria—marks one of Washington’s most assertive moves on Nigeria’s human rights issues in recent years. Analysts say the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern could unlock a series of sanctions, diplomatic measures, and increased scrutiny if the Nigerian government is seen to be failing in its obligations.
Human rights organisations have long warned that religiously motivated attacks, especially in the Middle Belt and parts of the North, are escalating. With Washington now imposing direct consequences, the Nigerian government is expected to face growing diplomatic pressure to address the crisis more concretely.
For now, U.S. officials insist the new visa restrictions are only the beginning.
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