A new bill introduced in the United States Congress has proposed targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, against individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedom in Nigeria.

The legislation specifically names the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore as entities allegedly involved in such abuses.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Christopher Smith, calls for restrictions on members of the groups, while also urging a reassessment of US foreign assistance to Nigeria.

Presenting the bill on Tuesday, Smith commended former US President Donald Trump for redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act.

“President Donald J. Trump acted appropriately and decisively to hold the Nigerian government accountable for its complicity in religious persecution by radical Islamists such as Boko Haram and Fulani terrorists,” Smith said.

The bill also lists “Fulani Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau States as Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs), a US designation for non-state actors that commit severe violations of religious freedom.

It further recommends direct humanitarian assistance to faith-based organisations supporting internally displaced persons in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, and conditions future US aid on measurable improvements in religious freedom.

The bill also calls for a long-term peace strategy, urging Nigeria to prosecute perpetrators of religious violence, support displaced persons, and uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.

Smith’s proposal was tabled the same day US Senator Ted Cruz reaffirmed his support for holding Nigerian officials accountable over alleged persecution of Christians. Cruz is promoting the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, aimed at protecting Christians and other religious minorities in the country.

Following the CPC designation, former President Trump also warned that the US might consider military action if Nigeria’s leaders failed to protect Christians.