US Lawmakers Push for Sanctions on Miyetti Allah, Others Over Alleged Religious-Persecution in Nigeria
STORY; WRITTEN BY JOSEPH NOVEMBER 6,2025
A group of United States lawmakers has called on the U.S. State and Treasury Departments to impose targeted sanctions on persons and organisations accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria, including the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
The demand is contained in a resolution introduced on Tuesday, according to information published on the official website of the U.S. Congress. The move comes only days after former U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and hinted at possible military measures following allegations of widespread killings of Christians.
Filed as House Resolution 860 in the 119th Congress, the motion was sponsored by Congressman Christopher Smith, with Representative Paul Huizenga co-sponsoring. The lawmakers praised Trump for re-listing Nigeria as a CPC and claimed that attacks against Christians and minority groups have intensified.
The resolution cites media investigations, NGO reports, and testimonies from religious leaders alleging mass violence, destruction of places of worship, and what it calls a culture of impunity. It highlights reported kidnappings and killings of pastors, priests and imams, including alleged intimidation of clerics who testified before Congress.
“For over ten years, Islamic extremist groups have committed mass killings, sexual violence, abductions, and other atrocities primarily targeting Nigerian Christians and non-Fulani moderate Muslims,” the document reads.
Supporters say that maintaining Nigeria’s CPC status would strengthen diplomatic pressure on the Nigerian government to improve accountability and protect vulnerable communities. It also proposes linking U.S. aid to measurable progress in human-rights protections, prosecution of attackers, and support for displaced persons.
The resolution further recommends sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act—particularly visa bans and asset seizures—for individuals and organisations implicated in severe religious-freedom violations. Miyetti Allah, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and Fulani-ethnic militias operating in Benue and Plateau States are specifically listed among groups that should be placed on the Entities of Particular Concern List.
The motion also urges the State Department to send direct humanitarian aid to faith-based organisations assisting displaced families in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
The resolution has been forwarded to the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Judiciary. If it advances out of committee, it may signal stronger congressional backing for Trump’s CPC declaration and open the door for further legislative or executive actions.
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