Kwankwaso, Others Risk US Visa Ban Over Alleged Religious Freedom Violations

The United States has proposed targeted sanctions, including visa restrictions and asset freezes, against individuals and organisations accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria under the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026.

US Congressman, Rep. Riley Moore (R-West Virginia), announced the introduction of the bill on Tuesday via X, noting that it was co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

The proposed legislation specifically mentions former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as Fulani-ethnic militias and groups such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

Part of the bill reads, “The United States should deliver humanitarian assistance, co-funded by the Government of Nigeria, through trusted faith-based and nongovernmental organisations in Nigeria’s middle belt states; the Department of State and the Department of the Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals or entities responsible for religious freedom violations, including (A) Fulani-ethnic nomad militias in Nigeria, (B) Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor (C) Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN); and (D) Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.”

The bill further mandates the US Secretary of State to assess whether certain Fulani militias meet the criteria for designation as foreign terrorist organisations under American law. It also calls for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Nigeria’s Middle Belt through credible faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

Moore wrote on X, “Today, I am proud to introduce the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 with Rep. Chris Smith.

“The US is a Christian nation. As such, we must stand with persecuted Christians around the world.

“Our legislation will build upon the momentum of President Trump designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and the recent US-Nigeria security framework agreement.”

According to Moore, the proposed legislation strengthens earlier US actions, including Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern and the recently signed US–Nigeria security cooperation framework, reinforcing Washington’s position on safeguarding persecuted Christians and other vulnerable populations.

Concerns over religious freedom in Nigeria have intensified amid recurring violence by armed groups, particularly in the Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria.