The United States announced on Wednesday that it will impose visa restrictions on certain Nigerians it believes are responsible for what it calls “anti-Christian violence” in the country.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is taking firm action in response to what it describes as “mass killings and violence” targeting Christians in Nigeria. According to Rubio, the restrictions will apply not only to individuals involved but also to their family members. He identified “radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond” as potential targets of the policy.
Rubio added that similar measures could be extended to other governments or individuals found to be violating religious freedom.
This move follows earlier remarks by President Donald Trump, who recently threatened possible military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians by radical Islamist groups. Trump also placed Nigeria on the list of “Countries of Particular Concern.”
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied these allegations, arguing that ongoing violence stems from criminal activities, land disputes, and competition over resources rather than religious motivations. Human rights experts similarly note that Islamist group Boko Haram has killed more Muslims than Christians.
Nigeria, with a population of roughly 220 million, is nearly evenly split between Christians and Muslims and comprises more than 200 ethnic groups. The country continues to face widespread insecurity, including attacks by Boko Haram, violent clashes between herders and local communities, bandit raids on farmers, and a rise in kidnappings by armed groups in central regions.
