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NIGERIA, US- The iNews Times | A new bill before the United States Congress seeks to impose targeted sanctions on the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore over alleged serious violations of religious freedom against Christians in Nigeria.
The legislation proposes visa restrictions and asset freezes for individuals linked to MACBAN and Miyetti Allah.
Representative Christopher Smith, who sponsored the bill, on Tuesday praised former US President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act. The CPC status is assigned to nations deemed to have engaged in or tolerated egregious violations of religious freedom.
The Federal Government said yesterday that it remains calm and unperturbed over the United States’ position on the alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
It added that discussions have been opened with the US authorities, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnic background.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to defeat terrorism and strengthen international cooperation in the fight against insecurity and crime.
Responding indirectly to the reported threat of military action by former US President Donald Trump over alleged persecution and killings of Christians in Nigeria, Tinubu maintained that despite political challenges, his government would continue to engage global partners constructively.
The President made the remarks after receiving an economic briefing from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who noted that the administration’s reform initiatives were boosting investor confidence and driving economic progress.
President Tinubu said that “the most important thing is that despite the political headwinds and the fears of our people, we will continue to engage with our partners. The task ahead is immense, but we are engaging the world diplomatically, and I assure you that we will defeat terrorism in this country.”
“The task ahead is enormous, but we remain determined to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria,” President Tinubu said.
Meanwhile, senior Pentagon officials have reportedly admitted that limited airstrikes or drone missions would not be sufficient to end Nigeria’s prolonged insurgency unless the United States commits to a broader military campaign.
According to The New York Times, the US military is drawing up contingency plans for possible airstrikes in Nigeria, following a directive from President Donald Trump instructing the Pentagon to “prepare to intervene” in order to protect Christians from terrorist attacks.
US Congress Targets Miyetti Allah, Others
Beyond the Miyetti Allah groups, the bill before the US Congress also lists “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs). EPCs refer to non-state actors accused of committing serious violations of religious freedom. Other groups already designated as EPCs include Boko Haram, ISIS-West Africa, ISIS-Sahel, the Houthis, and the Taliban.
The legislative push coincides with comments from US Senator Ted Cruz, who pledged to hold Nigerian officials accountable over alleged persecution of Christians. Senator Cruz had earlier introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which seeks targeted sanctions against federal or state officials who “promote, enact, or enforce” Nigeria’s blasphemy laws—whether through public statements, legislative action, or executive measures.
Supporters of the proposed US legislation argue that these actions are essential to addressing persistent religious violence in Nigeria, where attacks on churches, Christian communities, and individuals continue to be reported across several northern and central states.
Critics, however, argue that the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims that religion is the main driver of insecurity in the country, insisting instead that the violence stems from broader social, political, and economic challenges.
The proposed sanctions on Miyetti Allah mark a major escalation in US efforts to address alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. If passed, the measures could impact not only the leaders of the targeted groups but also their international networks and financial operations. Lawmakers backing the bill say the goal is to hold perpetrators accountable and reaffirm America’s commitment to defending religious minorities across the world.
The bill to sanction Miyetti Allah is currently under review in the US Congress, and its eventual outcome could have significant implications for US–Nigeria relations, particularly in areas of security cooperation and human rights.
Nigeria Not in Panic Mode — FG
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing journalists after Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the Federal Government is calm and addressing the issues raised by the United States especially on the Miyetti Allah sanction.
He stated, “the government of Nigeria is responding to the genuine concerns raised, and politics aside, we are taking the matter seriously.
Even before recent developments, this administration has remained fully committed to ensuring that Nigeria is safe for everyone.”
“The killing of even a single Nigerian is a matter of grave concern to the Federal Government. Our Constitution clearly guarantees every citizen the right to practice their religion freely and without interference,” the Minister said.
“The government remains firmly committed to upholding this right and will continue to do so. Whenever violence occurs against any citizen, it is the responsibility of the government to address it decisively and ensure justice is served.”
