* US Congress
The Pathfinder
Wednesday February 11, 2026
Please, share this story:
Five members of the United States Congress have introduced a bill that could lead to visa restrictions and asset freezes against certain Nigerian individuals and groups, including former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, over alleged violations of religious freedom.
The proposed legislation, titled the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was sponsored by Representatives Chris Smith, Riley Moore, Brian Mast, Mario Diaz-Balart and Bill Huizenga.
If passed, the bill would require the US Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress assessing Nigeria’s record on religious freedom and outlining measures taken to protect vulnerable communities. It also calls for consideration of sanctions, adjustments to security cooperation, and humanitarian interventions in response to violence linked to alleged religious persecution.
Casualty Claims Referenced
The sponsors cited estimates suggesting that between 2009 and 2025, between 50,000 and 125,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria, with more than 19,000 churches reportedly destroyed. They referenced attacks in Yelwata, as well as Christmas Eve incidents in 2023 and 2024 and Holy Week and Easter attacks in 2024 and 2025, which they claim led to over 9,500 deaths and displaced more than 500,000 people.
The lawmakers also pointed to a 2026 global watch list report alleging that Nigeria accounts for 72 per cent of Christians killed worldwide.
Sanctions and Terror Designation Provisions
Under the bill, the US Secretary of State would be required to assess whether certain Fulani ethnic militias meet the criteria for designation as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs).
The legislation further directs the US Departments of State and Treasury to consider imposing Global Magnitsky sanctions on individuals or entities found responsible for serious religious freedom violations. Such sanctions could include visa bans and the freezing of assets under US jurisdiction.
The bill also referenced cases including those of Rhoda Jatau and Deborah Yakubu, highlighting concerns about mob violence, detentions and accountability gaps.
Diplomatic and Humanitarian Considerations
The sponsors argued that the trajectory of US–Nigeria relations could be influenced by how Nigerian authorities address allegations of religious violence.
In addition, the bill recommends expanded humanitarian assistance to affected communities, particularly in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, and calls for coordination with countries such as France, Hungary and the United Kingdom on peace building and religious freedom initiatives.
The legislation has been introduced but must pass through the full legislative process in the US Congress before it can become law.
—————————————
Share your story or advertise with us:
08033783144 (WhatsApp)
08023469999(WhatsApp)
idowuadelusi@gmail.com,thepathfindernews0@gmail.com
Follow our reports also on X @idowuadelusi and Facebook (Idowu Oluwole Adelusi)