The United States Secretary Marco Rubio revealed that the nation is taking action against government or individuals who have been funding terrorist groups in Nigeria through visas restriction.
Rubio revealed this in an announcement on X on Wednesday: “The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world. The State Dept. will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.
“This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.” He added.
According to Secretary of State, the restrictions are in line with a new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The development comes weeks after President Donald Trump threatened to send US forces into Nigeria if Africa’s most populous country did not stem what he described as the killing of Christians by terrorists.
Trump also declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over killings of Christians, describing the situation as a “Christian genocide.”
Nigerian authorities denied the claims, maintaining that attacks in Nigeria are driven by criminal motives, land disputes, and resource competition, rather than religious faith.
“Christian communities and Muslim communities have been attacked by these extremists,” Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris Malagi told Al Jazeera last month.
The country faces multiple overlapping crises, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISIS (Daesh)-affiliated groups, bandits targeting farmers, and violent clashes between pastoralists and local communities.
Christian persecution in Nigeria is a significant issue driven by attacks from terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, violence from Fulani herdsmen, and kidnapping for ransom by armed gangs.
Last month, President Donald Trump said he has ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution in Nigeria.