JUST IN: Kwankwaso, Others Set to Face US Visa Ban Over Religious Violations

There’s an ongoing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States following a new bill introduced in the US Congress targeting individuals accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed law, known as the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, outlines tough measures against persons and groups linked to attacks on religious communities.

These measures include visa restrictions and the freezing of assets under existing US human rights laws.

At the centre of the bill is former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. The legislation also lists Fulani-ethnic nomad militias and two major pastoralist groups — Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The bill states, “The United States should deliver humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Government of Nigeria, through trusted faith-based and nongovernmental organisations in Nigeria’s middle belt states; the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals or entities responsible for religious freedom violations, including (A) Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria, (B) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor (C) Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); and (D) Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.”

The legislation also empowers the US Secretary of State to assess whether some Fulani militias meet the legal definition of foreign terrorist organisations under American law.

Alongside sanctions, the bill proposes that humanitarian assistance be channelled to Nigeria’s Middle Belt through faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

Lawmakers argue that this approach will ensure aid reaches communities affected by repeated attacks and displacement.

Speaking after unveiling the bill, Congressman Riley Moore said, “Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith.

“The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.

“Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.”

Supporters of the bill insist it strengthens America’s commitment to protecting vulnerable religious groups in Nigeria, especially in areas facing frequent violence.

Nigeria has witnessed prolonged unrest in parts of the Middle Belt and northern regions, where armed groups have carried out raids on rural communities. Many of these attacks have taken on religious and ethnic dimensions, raising international concern.

In late 2025, the US government again classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over serious religious freedom violations.

The Nigerian government rejected the label, arguing that the crisis is driven by banditry, terrorism and economic pressures rather than religion.

However, security cooperation between both countries has since increased. The United States has provided training and equipment to Nigerian forces and has carried out joint counter-terrorism operations against extremist groups operating in the northwest.

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