U.S. Congress Proposes Visa Bans, Asset Freezes Against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah, Others Over Allegation of Christian Killings
Washington D.C., U.S.A. – In a significant escalation of international pressure over religious freedom concerns in Nigeria, the United States Congress has introduced legislation that would impose targeted sanctions on some Nigerian leaders.
The sanctions including visa bans and asset freezes, on former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and prominent Fulani groups, citing alleged roles in widespread violence and persecution of Christian communities across Nigeria.
The proposed measure, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R. 7457), was introduced on February 10, 2026 in the U.S. House of Representatives by Republican lawmakers Representatives Riley Moore (R-WV) and Chris Smith (R-NJ), with co-sponsors including Brian Mast (R-FL), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI).
The bill would require the U.S. Secretary of State and Treasury to impose visa restrictions and freeze assets under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals and entities alleged to be responsible for “severe violations of religious freedom” in Nigeria.
Targets named include Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State and national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, other groups described in the legislation as Fulani-ethnic nomad militias operating in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
According to lawmakers, the bill responds to a pattern of religious persecution and mass atrocities, notably against Christian communities, that they argue have persisted for years.
The legislation cites incidents across Plateau, Benue and other states, including massacres occurring on Christmas Eve and during major religious observances, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
In addition to sanctions, the bill would require the Secretary of State to assess whether specific Fulani militia groups should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations under U.S. law, a classification with far-reaching legal and diplomatic consequences.
It would also obligate the executive branch to provide periodic reports to Congress on Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards and on actions taken to protect vulnerable populations.
The proposed sanctions build on previous U.S. actions. In October 2025, the administration of President Donald Trump renewed Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its failure to protect religious freedom, a status that underscores persistent international concern over violence and impunity.
The proposed visa ban and asset freeze have drawn immediate pushback from political actors in Nigeria. The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the broader Kwankwassiya Movement rejected the U.S. initiative as unfair and politically motivated, stating they were “taken aback” by the development and pledging to study its implications before issuing formal responses.
The bill will restrict Rabiu Kwankwaso and other affected to travel restrictions and financial sanctions when adopted and implemented.
Likewise, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria denied any involvement in terrorism or religious persecution, describing the allegations as “baseless and misleading” and claiming its commitment to lawful activities.
If enacted, H.R. 7457 would mark a significant legislative escalation by the United States in its approach to Nigeria’s security challenges and human rights concerns.
It could affect diplomatic engagement, visa issuance policies, and cooperation on security assistance.
The legislation signals that U.S. lawmakers are prioritizing religious freedom and accountability as key factors in bilateral relations with Nigeria, and it places added pressure on the Nigerian government to demonstrate concrete efforts to address violence and protect all religious communities.
Related Articles:
Senator Ted Cruz Praises Trump for Naming Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern
