US Considers Visa Sanctions in Response to Attacks on Christians in Nigeria

The United States government has introduced a new policy framework that could lead to visa restrictions for individuals linked to rising violence against Christian communities in Nigeria. The announcement, made by the US State Department, marks one of Washington’s strongest signals yet that it intends to escalate pressure over increasing religiously targeted attacks.

Under the policy, the US can impose travel bans on anyone found to have ordered, supported, funded, or participated in violations of religious freedom. The restrictions may also be extended to their immediate family members. Officials say the measure is designed to address what they describe as systematic assaults carried out by extremist groups and armed militias across various regions of Nigeria.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the action reflects Washington’s growing concern over reports of mass killings and targeted violence. He emphasised that the US would not hesitate to apply the policy to governments or individuals involved in suppressing religious rights, signalling a potential expansion beyond Nigeria if necessary.

The decision follows a high-level congressional briefing in Washington, where lawmakers reviewed the worsening situation. The session brought together members of key committees and religious freedom experts, highlighting the bipartisan interest in Nigeria’s security challenges. The briefing stemmed from President Donald Trump’s directive for a deeper investigation into attacks on Christians, a matter he has repeated publicly in recent weeks.

Nigeria has also taken steps to respond to the renewed scrutiny. President Bola Tinubu recently approved the country’s participation in a US–Nigeria Joint Working Group, a platform designed to advance security cooperation after earlier talks led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu. The group is expected to shape the next phase of bilateral security engagement.

The US has reclassified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” a designation reserved for nations implicated in severe violations of religious freedom. This status opens the door to possible punitive measures, including sanctions against individuals found complicit in ongoing abuses. American lawmakers have already begun assessing the consequences of the redesignation.

Insecurity linked to terrorism, banditry, and communal violence continues to plague several regions of Nigeria, with Christian communities frequently reporting targeted attacks. The US government’s latest position suggests that Washington is prepared to apply greater diplomatic and legal pressure if the trend continues unchecked.

With both governments now engaged in intensified dialogue, analysts say the coming months will reveal whether the heightened US attention leads to tangible policy shifts in Nigeria or triggers further international actions aimed at protecting vulnerable religious groups.