Washington, D.C. — November 2025
The United States House of Representatives has called on the Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organisations in Nigeria, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, over alleged violations of religious freedom.
The appeal is contained in a resolution introduced before the House on Tuesday, according to details published on the official US Congress website and obtained by PUNCH Online on Wednesday.
The resolution, filed as H. Res. 860 in the 119th Congress, was sponsored by Representative Christopher Smith and co-sponsored by Representative Paul Huizenga. It commends former President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
Trump had earlier, in a post on his Truth Social account, declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and warned of possible military action if the country failed to curb alleged attacks on Christians.
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Details of the Resolution
The sponsors of the resolution expressed concern over what they described as worsening persecution of Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria. They cited reports from media outlets and non-governmental organisations documenting large-scale attacks on civilians, destruction of worship centres, and widespread impunity.
According to the resolution:
“For over a decade, Islamic terror organisations have carried out mass murder, rape, kidnappings, and other atrocities targeting mostly Nigerian Christians and non-Fulani moderate Muslim populations, resulting in mass displacement and destruction of places of worship.”
It also highlighted that:
“Prominent Christian and Muslim leaders have been kidnapped or assassinated, including priests, pastors, and imams who advocate for religious tolerance.”
The document referenced testimonies from Father Remigius Iyhula and Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, who appeared before the US House Foreign Affairs Committee on March 12, 2025. Both religious leaders reportedly described the persecution and unaliveings of Christians in Nigeria’s Benue State and the Diocese of Makurdi, as well as the threats and intimidation they faced from extremist groups and government authorities.
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Calls for Action
Supporters of the resolution argued that redesignating Nigeria as a CPC would strengthen US diplomatic leverage in pressing the Nigerian government to ensure accountability and protect religious minorities.
“The designation of Nigeria as a CPC will enhance diplomatic efforts to encourage the Nigerian government to take necessary actions to protect religious minorities and uphold fundamental human rights,” the sponsors stated.
The House resolution further commended former President Trump for what it described as a decisive move to hold Nigeria accountable for alleged complicity in religious persecution by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists.
Additionally, the lawmakers proposed that the US condition its foreign aid to Nigeria on measurable progress in preventing persecution, prosecuting offenders, and assisting displaced persons.
“The State Department should provide immediate humanitarian assistance directly to faith-based groups to support internally displaced people in Nigeria’s Middle Belt states,” the resolution added.