Amanze Chinonye
The United States has announced sweeping visa restrictions on Nigerians and their family members implicated in mass killings and targeted violence against Christian communities, marking one of Washington’s strongest interventions yet in Nigeria’s deepening security challenges, Prime Business Africa reports.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measure anchored in the Immigration and Nationality Act will apply to individuals who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom,” including extremist groups, ethnic militias, and other actors responsible for sectarian attacks.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond,” Rubio said in a statement released Wednesday.
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The restrictions extend to immediate family members of offenders, underscoring Washington’s push to broaden accountability for religiously motivated violence, and Rubio noted that similar measures will apply globally to governments and individuals found guilty of comparable abuses.
The announcement follows Nigeria’s designation last month as a Country of Particular Concern under the International Religious Freedom Act, placing it in a category reserved for nations where violations are deemed systematic and severe.
The decision came as U.S. President Donald Trump intensified criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence, repeatedly lamenting “the killing of Christians” by extremist elements. Trump recently disclosed that he had directed the Pentagon to begin preliminary planning for potential military options in response to rising concerns over Christian persecution.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
