By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE United States government has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting Nigerians implicated in violations of religious freedom, particularly those accused of involvement in the persecution of Christians.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, in a post on X. He stated that the new policy would apply to anyone who directs, supports, finances, or takes part in activities that undermine the right to practise religion freely.
According to Rubio, the restrictions will affect both government officials and non-state actors assessed to be responsible for religious persecution, including those operating within Nigeria.
“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” he wrote.
“The @StateDept will restrict US visas for those who knowingly direct, authorise, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”
The development follows repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that Christians in Nigeria are experiencing targeted violence and require urgent international intervention.
Trump has previously described reported attacks on Christian communities across the country as alarming and criticised the Nigerian government for what he considers an inadequate response.
In a recent post on his Truth Social platform, he warned that the US would halt all aid and assistance to Nigeria if such attacks continue. He further suggested the possibility of US military intervention to confront what he called “Islamic terrorists” responsible for the killings.
“If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country to completely wipe out the terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities,” he said.
He added that he had instructed the US War Department to prepare for potential action, saying any response would be swift and forceful.
Neither the Nigerian government nor its security agencies has publicly responded to the latest announcement at the time of filing this report.
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