In a major diplomatic escalation, members of the United States House of Representatives have introduced a bill seeking to impose visa bans and asset freezes on prominent Nigerian political figures and organizations. The proposed legislation specifically targets Rabiu Kwankwaso, the leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the leadership of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, alongside alleged Fulani militia groups.
The bill, which surfaced in Washington this week, accuses the named individuals and groups of direct involvement in or incitement of violence and “religious freedom violations” across Nigeria. Lawmakers supporting the measure argue that the U.S. must use its “Global Magnitsky” authorities to hold accountable those who undermine regional stability and perpetrate human rights abuses. This move follows a series of reports from international monitors regarding targeted attacks on communities and rising insecurity in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Northern regions.
Miyetti Allah has swiftly rejected the proposed bill, condemning the threat of a visa ban as an “unjust attack” based on a “false narrative of genocide.” The group maintains that the conflict in Nigeria is a complex competition for resources—fueled by climate change and land disputes, rather than state-backed or group-led religious persecution. Similarly, associates of Rabiu Kwankwaso have dismissed the move as “geopolitical posturing” designed to interfere with Nigeria’s domestic political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
The Biden-Trump transition and the current Congressional climate in 2026 have seen an increased focus on Nigeria’s security documentation and justice systems. U.S. officials have warned that “fighting corruption and human rights abuses knows no borders,” signaling that the era of impunity for Nigeria’s political elite may be facing unprecedented international pressure. While the Nigerian government in Abuja has urged the U.S. to respect its sovereignty, Washington appears undeterred in its push for specific accountability.
This proposed visa ban represents a significant shift in U.S.-Nigeria relations. If passed, the bill would not only restrict travel for some of Nigeria’s most influential figures but also signal a new, more aggressive phase of Western intervention in the country’s internal security and political affairs.
