US Congressmen Seek Tougher Penalties, Visa Restrictions Over Killings in Nigeria

Story: written by Daniel November 7,2025
Two Republican members of the United States Congress have asked the Trump administration to take stronger action against those behind ongoing attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria. Representatives Bill Huizenga from Michigan and Chris Smith from New Jersey have jointly introduced a House resolution urging targeted sanctions, including travel restrictions and asset freezes.

The lawmakers said the situation in Nigeria has grown more dangerous, especially for Christians in rural areas who continue to suffer deadly assaults. Their resolution also supports President Donald Trump’s decision to return Nigeria to the list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” a designation used for nations with serious violations of religious freedom.

Huizenga argued that Washington must increase pressure on those fueling violent attacks.

“The massacre of innocent Christians in Nigeria requires a firm response from the United States,” he said, insisting Congress should push for sanctions on individuals and organizations behind the bloodshed and tie U.S. assistance to meaningful action from the Nigerian government.

Smith, who leads the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, noted that Christian communities in several regions face daily threats from extremist groups such as Boko Haram and armed Fulani networks. He said the resolution is aimed at shaping future U.S. engagement with Nigeria.

“Being a Christian in Nigeria often means living under the threat of murder, kidnapping, rape or torture,” Smith stated. He described Trump’s CPC redesignation as “an important starting point,” but stressed that more pressure is needed.

The resolution also recommends that U.S. humanitarian aid be channeled through faith-based organizations working with displaced families in the Middle Belt. It further calls for future foreign aid to depend on Nigeria’s efforts to prosecute attackers, curb extremist violence, and respect religious rights.

The lawmakers also want sanctions—under the Global Magnitsky Act—against the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and armed Fulani groups operating in Plateau and Benue states.