BREAKING: US Moves to Sanction Miyetti Allah, Targets Visa Ban and Asset Freeze Over Christian Killings

• The US Congress has introduced a new bill seeking to sanction the Miyetti Allah groups over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria, proposing visa bans, asset freezes, and other penalties under the Global Magnitsky Act.

The United States Congress has introduced a new bill that seeks to impose sanctions on individuals and organisations accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, naming the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as primary targets.

The proposed legislation recommends that the US Department of State and the Department of the Treasury apply measures such as visa bans, asset freezes, and other restrictions under the Global Magnitsky framework—a US law used to sanction individuals involved in human rights abuses and corruption worldwide.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Christopher Smith, a Republican lawmaker who accused Islamic extremist groups of committing mass killings, kidnappings, and destruction of places of worship in Nigeria. He said these acts have displaced thousands and amount to a deliberate plan to establish a Fulani-controlled empire.

Earlier, Channels Television reported that Trump had threatened to send U.S. forces into Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” if the government failed to stop what he called the “killing of Christians by Islamists.”

“Prominent Christian and Muslim leaders have been kidnapped or assassinated, including priests, pastors, and imams who promote religious tolerance,” Smith said, citing data from reports by the Vatican and the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa.

According to him, more than 18,000 churches have been destroyed and 56,000 Nigerians killed between 2019 and 2023 in attacks by groups such as Boko Haram and armed herdsmen.

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The bill, which must pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by President Donald Trump, comes amid his administration’s renewed focus on protecting Christians abroad. Trump had earlier redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) and warned of possible US military action if the killings continue.

If signed into law, the bill could result in the travel ban and freezing of assets belonging to Miyetti Allah leaders, restricting their access to international banking and travel within allied nations.

Both Miyetti Allah groups have, however, denied the allegations, maintaining that their members are victims of violence and not perpetrators.

Analysts say the move could worsen tensions between Washington and Abuja, following recent diplomatic strain over Trump’s remarks and Nigeria’s religious freedom status.