U.S. Congress Moves to Sanction Miyetti Allah Leaders Over Religious Freedom Violations in Nigeria

Lawmakers in the United States Congress have introduced a bill seeking visa restrictions and asset freezes on leaders of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, accusing the groups of involvement in widespread attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Representative Smith Christopher, designates both organizations along with several Fulani-linked militias operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern under the U.S. International Religious Freedom Act. The classification places them in the same category as extremist groups such as Boko Haram and ISIS–West Africa.

The bill calls for the U.S. government to impose targeted sanctions, including travel bans and financial restrictions, on individuals or entities linked to religious persecution in Nigeria. Representative Christopher praised President Donald Trump’s recent re-designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), saying the step underscores Washington’s determination to hold perpetrators of religious violence accountable.

The legislative push has drawn sharp reactions in Nigeria. The Federal Government said it is not alarmed by the development, stressing that discussions have already begun with U.S. officials to address any concerns. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said Nigeria remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths and ensuring that “no one is targeted or discriminated against based on religion.”

President Bola Tinubu also weighed in, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance and constitutional guarantees of freedom of worship. He dismissed claims of systematic persecution of Christians, saying such characterizations do not reflect the country’s reality. Tinubu insisted that his administration continues to engage religious leaders across the country to promote peace and unity while tackling insecurity driven by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflict.

The proposed sanctions mark a significant escalation in U.S. engagement on Nigeria’s internal security and human rights record. Supporters of the bill argue that Washington must act to protect vulnerable communities, while critics warn that the move could strain diplomatic ties and oversimplify Nigeria’s complex security challenges, which many analysts attribute to socioeconomic and political factors rather than purely religious motives.

The bill is currently under consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives, and if passed, would authorize the State Department and Treasury to identify and penalize individuals associated with the designated groups. Its passage could redefine aspects of U.S.–Nigeria relations, particularly in the areas of security cooperation, human rights monitoring, and international aid.