The United States government has commenced the enforcement of visa restrictions on individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.
The development was disclosed on Friday by Mark Walker, Principal Adviser for Global Religious Freedom, in a post on X, where he confirmed that the policy is already being implemented.
Walker, however, did not disclose the identities of those affected but noted that individuals linked to religious persecution would face increased scrutiny.
“We have already executed on this policy and will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny. If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America,” he stated.
The visa restriction policy was earlier announced in December by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, targeting individuals found to have directed, supported, or carried out acts that infringe on religious freedom.
According to Rubio, the measure forms part of broader efforts by the US to address what it described as persistent violence and abuses against religious groups, particularly Christians, in Nigeria and other parts of the world.
The move followed a resolution introduced by Chris Smith, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, which recommended visa bans and asset freezes on persons and organisations implicated in severe violations of religious rights in Nigeria.
The resolution identified groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities of concern.
In addition, some US lawmakers had in February proposed sanctions against Rabiu Kwankwaso, alleging complicity in religious freedom violations.
The latest action underscores growing international attention on religious rights issues in Nigeria, with the US reiterating its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable through diplomatic and legal measures.
