US Lawmakers Propose Visa Ban, Sanctions Against Kwankwaso, Others Over Religious Freedom Concerns

According to a report by PUNCH on Wednesday 11th February 2026, the United States Congress has introduced a new bill seeking targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups allegedly linked to religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday by Congressman Riley Moore (R-West Virginia) and co-sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith (R-New Jersey).

Among those specifically named in the bill is former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; The legislation also mentions Fulani-ethnic nomadic militias, as well as associations such as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

According to the draft, the US Department of State and the Department of the Treasury would be required to consider imposing sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on individuals or entities found responsible for religious freedom violations; The sanctions could include visa restrictions and the freezing of US-based assets.

The bill further directs the US Secretary of State to evaluate whether certain Fulani militias operating in Nigeria meet the criteria for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organisations under US law.

In addition, the legislation proposes that humanitarian assistance to affected communities in Nigeria’s Middle Belt be delivered through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations, with co-funding support from the Nigerian government.

Announcing the bill on his X account, Moore said the United States must stand with persecuted Christians and vulnerable communities globally; He added that the legislation builds on previous US actions, including Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom issues and the US–Nigeria security cooperation framework.

Nigeria was re-designated as a Country of Particular Concern in late 2025 by US President Donald Trump, citing concerns about severe violations of religious freedom; However, the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims that the country’s security crisis is driven by religious persecution, describing the situation as complex and rooted in broader security and socio-economic challenges.

The security situation has also led to expanded cooperation between both countries; In December 2025, the United States conducted coordinated airstrikes targeting Islamic State-linked militants in northwest Nigeria, while also increasing military training and intelligence-sharing support for Nigerian forces.

If passed into law, the new bill could further strain diplomatic relations between Abuja and Washington, while intensifying international scrutiny over Nigeria’s handling of religious freedom and security challenges.

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