We have executed visa bans on religious freedom violators in Nigeria, says US principal adviser

The U.S. has officially executed visa restrictions against perpetrators of religious persecution in Nigeria as part of a broader diplomatic effort to combat violence and ensure that those responsible for such “atrocities” remain unwelcome in America.

The United States government has begun implementing targeted visa bans against individuals and entities responsible for “atrocities and violence against Christians” and other religious freedom violations in Nigeria. This enforcement, confirmed by Principal Adviser for Global Religious Freedom Mark Walker, follows a December policy announcement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take “decisive action” against those who “knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.” 

The crackdown aligns with recent legislative efforts from House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith, whose 2026 resolution specifically called for sanctions against the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.Emphasizing the administration’s zero-tolerance stance, Walker stated on Friday, “If you engage in persecution, you are not welcome in America,” adding that the policy aims to keep the U.S. safer by barring those responsible for such acts from entering the country.

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