By Ademola Adekusibe
3rd December 2025
The United States has sparked a diplomatic storm after announcing sweeping visa restrictions targeting individuals accused of directing, funding, sponsoring or supporting the persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The announcement was made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said Washington would no longer “look away” from what it calls grievous violations of religious freedom in Africa’s largest democracy.
Rubio, in a post on X, said the U.S. is taking “decisive action” following a series of killings, attacks and mass abductions linked to extremist groups and other armed actors in Nigeria. According to him, anyone, government official, militant leader, political financier or private citizen, who participates in or supports the persecution of Christians will face immediate visa sanctions.
This aggressive move comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s dramatic redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a classification reserved for countries accused of severe, systematic, and ongoing violations of religious freedom. Trump did not mince words. In a fiery post on Truth Social, he warned that Christianity is “facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” accusing radical Islamist groups of orchestrating a “mass slaughter” of Christians.
He insisted that the United States would no longer stand aside while “thousands are being killed,” adding that he had ordered lawmakers such as Rep. Riley Moore and Rep. Tom Cole to open a detailed congressional investigation into the situation. Trump also hinted that stronger actions could follow if the violence continues.
American lawmakers quickly aligned with Trump’s stance. Rep. Riley Moore condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers from St. Mary Catholic School in Niger State, calling it “horrific and unacceptable.” According to him, the world must pay attention to the daily “targeting of believers” in Nigeria. He said no one should be punished or killed for professing faith in Jesus Christ.
At a congressional briefing on the persecution of Christians in Nigeria, Rep. Chris Smith accused the Nigerian government of failing in its most basic responsibility, the protection of its citizens. Smith warned that attackers operate with “absolute impunity,” and alleged that Abuja has been slow, even resistant, to tackling the crisis. He said the United States would not allow Nigerian leaders to avoid accountability on a matter he described as “urgent and morally unavoidable.”
With the visa ban now in motion, Nigeria finds itself under intense global scrutiny. The Biden administration previously avoided this level of pressure, but Trump’s return to office has reactivated Washington’s hardline posture on religious freedom issues. Political figures, security officials and financiers linked to any form of religious persecution may now face restrictions that could cut off travel, investment access, and international legitimacy.
For Nigeria, the message is blunt:
Washington believes Christians are under siege, and the world’s most powerful country is prepared to intervene diplomatically, economically, and possibly beyond, if the killings continue.
