U.S. lawmakers have introduced a resolution urging sanctions on Nigerian groups including Miyetti Allah over alleged religious persecution, reinforcing Trump’s redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
The United States House of Representatives has called for targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over alleged violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The resolution, filed as H. Res. 860 in the 119th Congress and introduced by Rep. Christopher Smith with Rep. Paul Huizenga as co-sponsor, urges the Departments of State and Treasury to impose visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky framework. It also recommends placing Fulani-ethnic militias on the Entities of Particular Concern List under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The measure follows President Donald Trump’s weekend declaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and his warning of possible military intervention if the government fails to curb alleged killings of Christians.
Lawmakers cited reports from NGOs and media sources alleging mass attacks on civilians, destruction of churches, and intimidation of religious leaders. “For over a decade, Islamic terror organisations have carried out mass murder, rape, kidnappings, and other atrocities targeting mostly Nigerian Christians and non-Fulani Muslims,” the resolution stated.
It commended Trump’s decision, arguing that redesignation strengthens diplomatic leverage to ensure accountability and protect minorities. The resolution was referred to the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees for review.
Reacting, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims as “misinformation,” insisting that “terrorism and violent crimes in Nigeria do not target any particular religious group.”
He added that both Christians and Muslims have been affected by insecurity nationwide.