The United States Congress has introduced a new bill proposing targeted sanctions on individuals and organizations accused of committing serious violations of religious freedom in Nigeria.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith, names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities of concern. It recommends measures including visa restrictions and asset freezes on their members.
While introducing the bill on Tuesday, Smith commended former U.S. President Donald Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.
The lawmaker further noted that the proposed legislation would classify “Fulani Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as “Entities of Particular Concern” (EPCs) for their alleged involvement in severe violations of religious freedom.
Under U.S. law, EPCs are non-state actors that have engaged in particularly grave breaches of religious freedom. Previously designated groups include Boko Haram, the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel, ISIS-West Africa, and the Taliban.
The introduction of the bill coincided with remarks from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, who reiterated his commitment to holding Nigerian officials accountable for alleged persecution of Christians.
“I intend to be very explicit about who they are in the coming days and weeks,” Cruz said.
In October, Cruz had proposed the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which seeks sanctions against federal and state officials accused of enforcing or supporting Nigeria’s blasphemy laws.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has consistently dismissed such allegations, insisting that religion is not a driving factor in the country’s security challenges.