U.S. House of Representatives Calls for Sanctions Against Nigerian Groups
The United States House of Representatives has taken a significant step by urging the Departments of State and Treasury to impose sanctions on certain individuals and organizations in Nigeria. This includes the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over allegations of violating religious freedom.
The resolution, known as H. Res. 860, was introduced on Tuesday during the 119th Congress by Rep. Christopher Smith and co-sponsored by Rep. Paul Huizenga. The lawmakers are calling for stronger measures to hold Nigerian groups and officials accountable for alleged attacks and discrimination against Christians and other religious minorities.
This move follows a recent declaration by U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) on Truth Social. He warned that Washington could take military action if the killings of Christians in Nigeria continue.
According to the resolution, which was cited by PUNCH Online, the lawmakers accused extremist groups and some local entities of committing “mass murder, rape, kidnappings, and other atrocities” targeting Christians and moderate Muslims in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions.
The document stated, “For over a decade, Islamic terror organisations have carried out mass murder, rape, kidnappings, and other atrocities targeting mostly Nigerian Christians and non-Fulani moderate Muslim populations, resulting in mass displacement and destruction of places of worship.”
It also referenced testimonies from Nigerian clergy such as Father Remigius Iyhula and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who appeared before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee in March 2025. They recounted the killings and persecution of Christians in Benue State. The resolution claimed that these religious leaders had faced intimidation from extremist groups and even government authorities.
Lawmakers backing the motion praised President Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a CPC, stating that the decision would strengthen U.S. diplomatic leverage to pressure the Nigerian government into protecting religious minorities.
“The designation of Nigeria as a CPC will enhance diplomatic efforts to encourage the Nigerian government to take necessary actions to protect religious minorities and uphold fundamental human rights,” the resolution stated.
It further recommended that the State and Treasury Departments impose visa bans and asset freezes on persons or entities found responsible for religious persecution, including MACBAN and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. It also suggested that Fulani militias operating in Benue and Plateau States be added to the “Entities of Particular Concern” list under U.S. law.
The House resolution also urged Washington to review and justify all security and development assistance to Nigeria, ensuring that future U.S. support is tied to improved human-rights records and religious tolerance.
The proposal has been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee for consideration. If approved, it could open the door to stronger legislative and executive actions against Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has rejected the U.S. position, insisting that the designation is based on “misrepresentation and misinformation” about Nigeria’s internal security situation.
He clarified that terrorism and violence in Nigeria affect both Christians and Muslims. “Nigeria faces long-standing security challenges that have impacted Christians and Muslims alike,” he said. “Any narrative suggesting that the Nigerian state is failing to take action against religious attacks is based on misinformation or faulty data.”