₦airaland Forum

New U.S. bill seeks visa bans, asset freezes for Nigerian Miyetti Allah, Fulani Militias

A new bill before the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions on individuals and groups accused of orchestrating severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, marking a fresh phase in Washington’s growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record.

The bill, introduced on Tuesday by Christopher Smith, U.S. lawmaker specifically named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as culpable entities.

It recommended visa restrictions and asset freezes on members of the groups allegedly linked to religiously motivated violence.

Smith, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, commended President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification under U.S. law reserved for nations that engage in or tolerate “particularly severe violations” of religious freedom.

In the bill, Smith also urged the U.S. government to classify “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

“EPCs refer to non-state actors that have been implicated in major violations of religious freedom. Other groups previously placed under this category include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Houthis, and the Taliban”, he added.

The legislative move coincided with a separate statement from Ted Cruz (Senator) who renewed calls for accountability against Nigerian officials accused of turning a blind eye to alleged persecution of Christians.

“I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks,” Cruz warned.

Cruz had earlier, in October, introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which proposed sanctions on federal and state officials who “promoted, enacted, or maintained Nigerian blasphemy laws” through policy, legislation, or executive directives.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has consistently dismissed such allegations as misguided and politically motivated, maintaining that religion is not the primary driver of the country’s complex security challenges.

FG argue that insecurity in Nigeria stems largely from criminality, banditry, and socioeconomic factors, not from deliberate state-backed religious persecution.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/news/article/new-u-s-bill-seeks-visa-bans-asset-freezes-for-nigerian-miyetti-allah-fulani-militias/%3famp

We reject any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs.

I'm struggling to keep up with the blistering pace these guys are going. They really want to teach these genocidal characters a lesson..

This is a typical example of when your cup is full. The urgency and determination to get stuff done on this issue is stunning!

We are all happy for it..

Those blood thirsty Bandits-terrorists has done irreparable damage to this Country, valued cow over human, killing farmers like chickens, kidnapping and terrorism is their symbol. take everything away from them. Thank you President Trump and America

HgAkpobomeEr:
We reject any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs.

Buhari said that the people orchestrating all the killings in Nigeria are from "Libya"!
Libya is a foreign country. Maybe they are the ones you're referring to..., I mean "The Libyans"

but why so fast??

Sharia law must be banned in the whole of Nigeria, it's enabling this terrorism

muyico:
but why so fast??

You can contact the U.S Government and ask your question, do you need their phone number and email address? Ire ooo

Toh

The US should also name the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria. They should also be prepared to face the consequences of their actions

owobokiri:
New U.S. bill seeks visa bans, asset freezes for Nigerian Miyetti Allah, Fulani Militias

A new bill before the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions on individuals and groups accused of orchestrating severe violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, marking a fresh phase in Washington’s growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s human rights record.

The bill, introduced on Tuesday by Christopher Smith, U.S. lawmaker specifically named the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as culpable entities.

It recommended visa restrictions and asset freezes on members of the groups allegedly linked to religiously motivated violence.

Smith, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, commended President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a classification under U.S. law reserved for nations that engage in or tolerate “particularly severe violations” of religious freedom.

In the bill, Smith also urged the U.S. government to classify “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern (EPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).

“EPCs refer to non-state actors that have been implicated in major violations of religious freedom. Other groups previously placed under this category include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Houthis, and the Taliban”, he added.

The legislative move coincided with a separate statement from Ted Cruz (Senator) who renewed calls for accountability against Nigerian officials accused of turning a blind eye to alleged persecution of Christians.

“I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks,” Cruz warned.

Cruz had earlier, in October, introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which proposed sanctions on federal and state officials who “promoted, enacted, or maintained Nigerian blasphemy laws” through policy, legislation, or executive directives.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has consistently dismissed such allegations as misguided and politically motivated, maintaining that religion is not the primary driver of the country’s complex security challenges.

FG argue that insecurity in Nigeria stems largely from criminality, banditry, and socioeconomic factors, not from deliberate state-backed religious persecution.

LINK:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/news/article/new-u-s-bill-seeks-visa-bans-asset-freezes-for-nigerian-miyetti-allah-fulani-militias/%3famp

good decisions from the American lawmakers.

We say no to legal system secession
We say no to legal pluralism
We say no to constitutional rupture
We say no to intimidation
We say no to insecurity in Nigeria

HgAkpobomeEr:
We reject any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs.

Oga are you a terrorist...
Am just asking though..

Not only those ones, but even all members of the APC

These Fulani Associations and militias were becoming too powerful from the time of Buhari. We need Trump to help clip their wings. No wonder Tinubu has to lock up one of their leaders then when he thought he could disrespect Tinubu as a Yoruba man. Won't be surprised if they are among the coup backers. 15 out of 16 arrested plotters are from the North. Born to rule mentality.

No foreign interference allowed. We will handle our own issues.

Shey Fulani herdsmen go leave him cow go embassy dey find visa before.

Like they really care about this
US sanctions have been used for generations on others and rhey are still living and thriving.
Pls stop this joke

This is good news we thank God for everything

Even for all our politicians starting with Tinubu

HgAkpobomeEr:
We reject any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs.

a bandit spotted

Not enough original content
Please take a moment to write a quality post with at least 40 characters.
This will make the forum more interesting for everyone.

ebukal67x:
No foreign interference allowed. We will handle our own issues.

like you've done so far.

Not enough original content
Please take a moment to write a quality post with at least 40 characters.
This will make the forum more interesting for everyone.

Salewa97:
Toh

The US should also name the sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria. They should also be prepared to face the consequences of their actions

How do you reveal what you part of!

"We send money to the UN, we send money to other NGOs, and that money, U.S. taxpayer money, is being used to fund these Fulani militias... associated with, linked to, the same ideology as Boko Haram and ISIS. So, effectively, U.S. taxpayer money is being used to fund Boko Haram and ISIS... that's the reality, that's the fact."


US Rep. Scott Perry (2012)

How can you force me to be countryman with someone that values cow over human being

Since president Donald trump threatened Nigeria with military action against islamic radicals, I've not heard from Yakubu Gowon.

Donald trump is threatening his one Nigeria with military action. Hope he has not abandoned his go on with one Nigeria??

Much needed.
God bless President Donald Trump.

I no talk am for here. Fire on

Mrchippychappy:
As the Trump administration has declared Nigeria a country of particular interest and have expressed willingness to take military action against the terrorist elements in Nigeria, I would advise that they not only focus on military actions but also create a well detailed auditing system to follow the money.

Military action should be supported simultaneously with a thorough financial investigation and accountability.

Trace and freeze every related bank account both domestic and offshore of every Nigerian politician since 2010 up to this current administration, then commission independent audits of all incoming and outgoing transactions (including donations).

Track where those donations went and carry out background checks on their recipients. The repeated slaughter of Christians in this country is intolerable, we need a full, legal inquiry to get to the bottom of it and hold those responsible to account.



Freeze all accounts

Identify and trace every implicated bank account domestic and offshore.

Authorise a thorough investigation on the frozen ccounts.

Commission independent auditors to review all transactions (incoming and outgoing).

Include so-called “donations” in the audit and trace their ultimate destinations.

Conduct background checks on recipients and intermediaries tied to those funds.

Coordinate with domestic law enforcement and international partners where necessary.

Pursue criminal and civil accountability based on audit findings.

Ensure transparency and oversight throughout the investigation to restore public trust.


We MUST get to the bottom of this.

Interesting time ahead

HgAkpobomeEr:
We reject any form of foreign interference in our internal affairs.

Too late bro. Too late. Trump is going to deal with the terrorists. Nigerians are happy.