US lawmakers propose visa ban, asset freeze against Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah

Five members of the United States House of Representatives have introduced a bill seeking sanctions including visa restrictions and asset freezes against former Kano State Governor and leader of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Congressmen Chris Smith, Riley Moore (lead sponsor), Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart and Bill Huizenga.

What the Bill Seeks

The bill directs the U.S. Secretary of State to submit a comprehensive report on American efforts to address alleged religious persecution and mass atrocities in Nigeria.

It also urges the U.S. government to:

• Impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act

• Enforce visa bans and asset freezes on individuals or groups accused of severe religious-freedom violations

• Consider designating certain Fulani ethnic militias as Foreign Terrorist Organisations

• Increase humanitarian assistance to victims, especially in Nigeria’s Middle Belt

Those listed for potential sanctions include:

• Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

• Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN)

• Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore

• Alleged Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias

Lawmakers’ Position

The sponsors argued that Nigeria should face stronger international pressure to end impunity for violence, claiming Christian communities and other religious minorities face systemic attacks.

They also praised the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by the U.S. government.

Nigerian Government’s Response

The Federal Government has consistently rejected claims that violence in Nigeria is religiously targeted, maintaining that:

both Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism, banditry and criminal violence rather than religious persecution.

Daily Trust