Fresh Tension as US Begins Visa Ban on Nigerians

The United States government has initiated the enforcement of visa restrictions targeting specific individuals from Nigeria who are accused of violating religious freedom.

This decision highlights a more stringent approach by Washington concerning allegations of persecution, particularly related to violence against various religious groups.

Mark Walker announced this development, emphasizing that this policy is not merely theoretical but is actively being implemented. In a statement released on Friday, he asserted that individuals determined to be involved in acts of religious persecution would encounter significant repercussions for their actions.

“We have already executed on this policy, and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny,” Walker stated. “If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America. The United States is safer when we keep those responsible for religious persecution from entering our homeland.”

The visa restriction policy was first announced in December 2025 by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The directive empowers the U.S. State Department to deny entry to individuals who are directly or indirectly linked to violations of religious freedom. This includes those who authorise, sponsor, fund, or carry out such acts. In some cases, the restrictions may also extend to their immediate family members.

Rubio had described the measure as a firm response to what he called persistent “atrocities and violence against Christians” in Nigeria.

He pointed to attacks allegedly carried out by extremist groups and armed militias operating in parts of the country, especially in the northern and Middle Belt regions.

The policy is backed by Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. It also follows growing pressure from American lawmakers who have continued to push for stronger actions against those accused of religious persecution in Nigeria.

In November 2025, U.S. Congressman Chris Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution calling for visa bans and financial sanctions against individuals and groups linked to religious violence.

The resolution specifically mentioned organisations such as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Further pressure came in February 2026 when some U.S. lawmakers proposed targeted sanctions against notable Nigerian figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, over alleged involvement in religious freedom violations. However, no formal sanctions list has been made public so far.

Nigeria has, over the years, faced criticism from international bodies over rising cases of religious and communal violence. Several reports have highlighted recurring attacks on Christian communities, especially in rural areas of the Middle Belt. The situation has drawn global attention, with calls for stronger action from the Nigerian government.

Despite these claims, the Nigerian authorities have consistently denied any form of complicity in religious persecution. Officials have argued that many of the reported incidents are exaggerated or misrepresented, often describing them as security challenges rather than targeted religious attacks.

As of now, the U.S. State Department has not released the names of individuals or entities affected by the visa restrictions. This has left room for speculation, even as it await further clarification on how the policy will be implemented.