Christian Killings: US moves to impose visa ban, asset freeze on Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Five United States lawmakers have introduced legislation seeking visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), and two other entities over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed measure, titled the “Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026”, was presented by Congressmen Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart, and Bill Huizenga. It mandates the U.S. Secretary of State to provide regular reports to Congress on Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards and on measures taken to protect vulnerable communities.

If enacted, the bill would empower U.S. authorities to consider targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. It would also support humanitarian interventions, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted civil society and faith-based organisations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

The lawmakers cited long-standing religious violence in Nigeria, noting that between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed from 2009 to 2025, with over 19,000 churches destroyed. Specific attacks referenced include massacres in Yelwata, the Christmas Eve attacks of 2023 and 2024, and Holy Week and Easter attacks in 2024 and 2025, which displaced over half a million people.

Cases such as Rhoda Jatau and Deborah Yakubu, who faced mob violence or death over alleged blasphemy, were highlighted to underscore the alleged impunity enjoyed by perpetrators. The bill also notes that Nigeria accounts for 72 per cent of Christians killed worldwide, according to Open Doors’ 2026 Watch List.

The legislation specifies potential targets for U.S. sanctions:

Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor

Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)

Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore

The bill also encourages collaboration with international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom, to promote religious freedom, peace, and protection of vulnerable communities.

U.S. lawmakers emphasized that future relations between the United States and Nigeria could hinge on the Nigerian government’s response to religious violence, suggesting that proactive measures could bolster Nigeria’s role in regional stability, particularly in the Sahel, and strengthen bilateral ties with Washington.

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