US Congress Moves to Sanction Miyetti Allah Over Alleged Christian Persecution in Nigeria

By Precious Olilanya Nnadi | November 7, 2025

The United States Congress has introduced a new bill seeking visa bans and asset freezes on leaders and members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged involvement in the persecution of Christians and religious minorities across Nigeria.

The legislation, sponsored by Representative Christopher Smith, aims to hold individuals associated with the groups accountable under the International Religious Freedom Act. The bill follows Washington’s growing concern about religious violence in Nigeria, where Christian communities have come under repeated attacks in several northern and central states.

Representative Smith applauded former President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) — a classification reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.

Nigeria Engages Diplomatically, Says No Cause for Alarm

Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government is calm and has opened discussions with the United States over the issue.

“The government of Nigeria is responding to the genuine concerns raised. We are taking these issues seriously,” Idris told journalists after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to worship without fear, adding that the government remains committed to ensuring safety for all, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

“There is no panic mode here. The government is stable, the President is calm, and dialogue is ongoing with the US government,” Idris said.

Tinubu Vows to Defeat Terrorism, Strengthen Partnerships

President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ending terrorism and deepening international cooperation.

“Despite political headwinds, we will continue to engage with our partners. The task ahead is immense, but we are resolved to move forward with unity and purpose,” Tinubu said, stressing that his government’s Renewed Hope agenda will ensure a prosperous and secure Nigeria.

US Expands Target List, Mulls Military Options

The proposed sanctions go beyond Miyetti Allah, also naming “Fulani Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs) — a label previously applied to groups like Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, and the Taliban.

Supporters of the bill, including Senator Ted Cruz, argue that the move is necessary to protect religious minorities. Cruz’s earlier Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 called for sanctions on officials who enforce or support blasphemy laws in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, a New York Times report revealed that the Pentagon has drawn up several military contingency plans for Nigeria — ranging from limited drone strikes to full-scale air operations — following directives from President Trump to prepare to “protect Christians from terrorist attacks.”

However, US defense officials reportedly cautioned that limited strikes would not end Nigeria’s long-running insurgency without a comprehensive campaign — a step Washington has not yet endorsed.

The Nigerian government, for its part, insists it will continue engaging diplomatically, stressing that religious tolerance remains central to its national values.