The United States has announced visa restrictions targeting Nigerians allegedly involved in religious violence, particularly attacks linked to violations of religious freedom.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the policy is aimed at individuals who have “directed, authorised, or carried out” acts of religious persecution, with the restrictions also extending to their immediate family members.
The move follows growing concern in Washington over violent attacks on religious communities, especially incidents affecting Christians in parts of Nigeria. U.S. officials said the action is part of broader efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and deter further violence.
The visa ban forms part of a wider U.S. response that includes designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over religious freedom issues, increasing diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government.
However, Nigerian authorities have pushed back against the characterisation of the crisis as purely religious, maintaining that insecurity in the country is complex and affects people across different faiths and regions.
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