The United States government has introduced new visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of directing, authorising, or supporting violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the US Department of State and titled “Combating Egregious Anti-Christian Violence in Nigeria and Globally,” the policy will also extend to immediate family members of those affected.
The US said the decision follows ongoing attacks and mass killings targeting Christians in Nigeria, allegedly carried out by radical Islamist terrorists, Fulani militias, and other violent groups.
The statement explained that the policy is grounded in Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, which empowers the State Department to deny visas to individuals implicated in “serious violations of religious freedom.”
“A new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) will allow the State Department to restrict visa issuance to individuals who have directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom,” the statement read.
“Where appropriate, their immediate family members may also be affected.”
The US further cited comments from former President Donald Trump, noting that Washington would not stand by while “atrocities” continue in Nigeria.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries,” the statement quoted Trump as saying.
“This policy will apply to Nigeria and any other governments or individuals engaged in violations of religious freedom.”
The announcement marks one of Washington’s strongest actions yet in response to religiously motivated violence in Nigeria, a concern which US officials and rights groups have repeatedly raised in recent years.
