The United States of America says it will place visa restrictions on individuals directing, authorizing, funding and sponsoring ‘persecutors of Christians in Nigeria.’
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced the decision in a post on X on Wednesday.
He wrote: “United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.
“The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”
The development comes amid escalating violence against Christians in Nigeria.
The US President Donald Trump had earlier designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing what he described as ‘genocide against Christians’ in the country.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’ — But that is the least of it,” he posted.
He went on to direct Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and report back to him.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other Countries,” Trump said. “We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the World!”
Speaking at the United States House Appropriations Committee’s joint congressional briefing on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, lawmakers said the situation had worsened to the point where stronger American intervention was required, especially after Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and his threat of military action.
Congressman Chris Smith said Nigerian authorities were failing in their most basic duty.
“The Nigerian government has a fundamental, constitutional obligation to protect its citizens; however, the perpetrators of this persecution operate with complete impunity,” he told the gathering.
Smith, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, warned that Washington would not allow Nigerian leaders to evade responsibility.
He accused the government of deliberately stalling efforts to address the violence.
