The United States has imposed visa restrictions on individuals believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, major violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The restriction target those who have directed, authorized, funded, supported, or carried out such violations and may extend to their immediate family members.
This move is part of ongoing U.S. efforts to address religious freedom abuses, in line with the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). The individuals affected have not been publicly named by the U.S. State Department.
Separately, the U.S. Congress is considering legislation that could designate groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs), potentially triggering visa bans and asset freezes for their members. A joint task force is also planned to develop a coordinated action plan on the matter.
The Nigerian government has generally rejected claims of state-backed religious persecution, maintaining that ongoing conflicts are primarily driven by competition over resources, criminal activities, and governance challenges rather than religious targeting.
This latest action is distinct from the general visa reciprocity policy introduced in July 2025, which restricted most Nigerians to single-entry, three-month non-immigrant visas.
