A new bill introduced in the United States Congress has called for visa restrictions and asset freezes on individuals and organisations accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that the legislation identifies the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities responsible for alleged acts of persecution. Members of the groups could face sanctions that include travel bans and financial restrictions.
Representative Smith Christopher, who presented the bill on Tuesday, commended former US President Donald Trump for previously designating Nigeria as a country of particular concern under international religious freedom regulations.
The proposed measure also lists Fulani-Ethnic Militias operating in Benue and Plateau states as entities of particular concern (EPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.
Under US law, EPCs refer to non-state actors involved in severe violations of religious freedom. Other groups that have been listed in this category include Boko Haram, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, the Houthis, and the Taliban.
The bill coincided with remarks by US Senator Ted Cruz, who reiterated his intention to hold Nigerian officials accountable over allegations of systematic attacks on Christians.
In October, Cruz had earlier sponsored the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, a bill proposing targeted sanctions against Nigerian federal or state officials accused of enforcing or promoting blasphemy laws through public statements, legislative actions, or executive directives.
The Nigerian government has consistently denied these accusations, noting that the nation’s security challenges are driven by broader socio-economic and political factors rather than religion.
