US Congress Targets Miyetti Allah With Proposed Sanctions Over Religious Freedom Violations

The United States Congress has introduced a new bill seeking to impose visa bans and asset freezes on members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over alleged severe violations of religious freedom against Christians in Nigeria.

The legislation, sponsored by Representative Christopher Smith, calls for targeted sanctions under the International Religious Freedom Act and follows the U.S. re-designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” — a status reserved for nations accused of tolerating or engaging in grave violations of religious freedom.

Representative Smith commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for his strong stance on religious persecution, noting that the bill aims to hold non-state actors accountable for “systematic attacks” on religious minorities.

Alongside the Miyetti Allah groups, the proposed law also lists Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs), placing them in the same category as Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, Houthis, and the Taliban.

Supporters of the bill argue that the move is necessary to confront ongoing religiously motivated violence, while critics maintain that Nigeria’s insecurity stems from wider social and economic issues rather than faith-based conflict.

Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz reiterated his support for the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” which proposes sanctions against any Nigerian officials found promoting or enforcing blasphemy laws.

Nigeria Responds: “We’re Calm, Engaging Diplomatically” — FG

The Federal Government has reacted to the development, saying it is not in panic mode and that diplomatic discussions have already been opened with Washington.

Speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria remains committed to protecting all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.

“Government has opened channels of discussion with the U.S. We prefer that this situation is solved diplomatically,” Idris said.
“Nigeria is safe for everyone. The killing of even one Nigerian is of concern to us, and our Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion.”

He added that the government continues to work with regional and international partners to combat terrorism and maintain national stability.

Tinubu: Nigeria Will Defeat Terrorism, Uphold Religious Freedom

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to defeating terrorism while deepening international engagement to ensure national security.

“Despite political headwinds, we will continue to engage with our partners,” Tinubu said.
“We will defeat terrorism in the country. Nigeria remains a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.”

The President dismissed claims that Nigeria is hostile to Christians, describing them as a misrepresentation of the nation’s values.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality. Religious freedom and tolerance are central to our national identity,” Tinubu stressed.

US Weighs Possible Military Action

Reports from The New York Times indicate that the U.S. military is reviewing potential airstrike options in Nigeria following directives from President Trump to “prepare to intervene” to protect Christians from terrorist attacks.

The Pentagon is reportedly considering three operational plans—ranging from limited drone strikes to a full-scale air campaign—though senior U.S. officials acknowledge that limited strikes alone would not end Nigeria’s insurgency.

President Trump had earlier warned that the U.S. might halt aid or even launch military action if Nigeria fails to curb attacks on Christians.

“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the U.S.A. will act — guns blazing if necessary — to stop the atrocities,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Outlook

The proposed U.S. sanctions, if passed, could reshape Nigeria–U.S. relations, impacting security cooperation, aid, and diplomatic engagement.
Observers say the bill underscores growing American concern over religious violence in Nigeria, even as Abuja insists it is handling the matter with balance and responsibility.

Opinion Nigeria News