The United States has introduced a fresh visa policy aimed at Nigerians believed to be involved in acts that violate religious freedom, with a special focus on cases tied to alleged persecution of Christians across the country.
The policy was announced on Wednesday by the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who shared the development in a post on X.
Rubio explained that Washington will no longer admit individuals who direct, finance or participate in actions that threaten the freedom of worship.
Rubio wrote that the step was necessary in view of rising concerns over what the US describes as growing attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria.
He added that the restriction will apply to both government officials and non-state actors suspected of enabling or carrying out religious persecution.
He stated, “The United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world.
The State Department will restrict US 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.”
The announcement follows repeated claims by US President Donald Trump that Christians in Nigeria are facing what he calls widespread and alarming attacks. Trump has on several occasions alleged that the Nigerian authorities are not doing enough to stop the violence.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump said he had instructed the US War Department to prepare for possible action in Nigeria if the situation worsens. He warned that the US would stop all aid to Nigeria if the killings continue.
He wrote, “If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, guns a blazing, to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Trump further stated, “I am hereby instructing our Department of War to prepare for possible action. If we attack, it will be fast, vicious and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our cherished Christians. Warning. The Nigerian Government better move fast.”
