The United States has announced new visa restrictions targeting individuals in Nigeria accused of undermining religious freedom in the country.
This move is part of a broader effort to address the rising tide of violence and attacks on religious communities in the country.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and attacks on Christians carried out by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani militias, and other violent groups in Nigeria and beyond,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The policy, under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, allows the State Department to restrict visas for individuals who have “directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom”.
The restrictions may also apply to immediate family members of those found guilty.
Rubio noted that the visa restrictions could be applied “to Nigeria and any other governments or individuals engaged in violations of religious freedom”.
This announcement follows a briefing by US House Republicans highlighting rising religious violence in Nigeria.
The session was convened at the direction of President Donald Trump, who instructed the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the alleged slaughter of Christians in the country.
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