U.S. Congress Proposes Visa Ban, Asset Freeze Against Kwankwaso, Others For Promoting Massacre Of Christians In Nigeria

U.S. Congress proposes visa ban, asset freeze against Kwankwaso, Others for promoting massacre of Christians in Nigeria. The bill named violators such as the Fulani ethnic nomad militia, Mr Kwankwaso, and Miyetti Allah members to the State Department.

The U.S. Congress has proposed a visa ban and asset freeze against former Kano governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, members of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and other Fulani groups, among a slew of sanctions meant to pressure the Nigerian government into ending the alleged persecution of Christians.

The Congress identified Mr Kwankwaso and Miyetti Allah groups as the unrepentant violators masterminding attacks on the Christian faithful in northern Nigeria in the bill submitted on Tuesday.

Chris Smith, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Africa Subcommittee, and Riley Moore submitted a proposed bill, the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, to the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, suggesting sanctions to keep President Bola Tinubu’s government on its toes.

The bill is aimed at mounting pressure on Mr Tinubu’s administration to curtail the targeted ki1lings of Christians, which Mr Trump has repeatedly called a “genocide”.

“The Department of State and the Department of Treasury should impose targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, on individuals and entities responsible for severe religious violations,” stated the bill proposed by Republican representatives Messrs Smith and Moore.

The bill named violators such as “Fulani ethnic nomad militia, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano governor, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore” to the State Department.

Kwankwaso

The bill chronicled incidents of religious violations, citing the Plateau massacre in October 2025 and the death sentence of Sunday Jackson, a farmer who spent a decade in prison and was on death row for killing a Fulani herder in self-defence. He was pardoned in 2025 after the U.S. government intervened.

Messrs Smith and Moore further proposed that the State Department scrutinise the activities of Fulani militias to determine whether the U.S. should consider them a foreign terrorist organisation.

The congressmen further called on the State Department to investigate sponsors of the Fulani militias and hold them to account.

President Donald Trump redesignated Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’ over the alleged genocide of Christians in 2025. He blamed Mr Tinubu’s administration for not protecting the Christians in the West African nation.
On Christmas Day, the U.S. launched airstrikes in Sokoto to bomb terrorists’ hideouts, an operation Nigeria’s first lady Remi Tinubu called “a blessing”.

Meanwhile, Mr Trump has announced plans to deploy 200 U.S. soldiers to Nigeria to support the West African country’s counter-terrorism efforts.

NIDCOM Boss Congratulates Nigerians On Their Historic Wins Of 2026 Grammy

NIDCOM Boss congratulates Nigerians on their historic wins of 2026 Grammy. Abuja, Feb. 10, 2026:
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated three outstanding Nigerians, Shaboozey (born Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (born Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (born Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo), on their historic wins at the 2026 Grammy Awards.

Dabiri-Erewa described their achievements on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural platforms as a powerful reflection of the creativity, excellence, and global impact of Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage across the diaspora. She noted that their victories are not only personal accomplishments but moments of collective pride for Nigeria.

While also acknowledging the immense contributions and global recognition of Nigerian-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, and Wizkid, amongst others.

NiDCOM

Dabiri-Erewa stressed that Shaboozey, Tyler Okonma, and Cynthia Erivo, names, family histories, and ancestral origins remain unmistakably Nigerian. Through their work, she said, they continue to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural influence to the world.

She therefore called on the media, cultural institutions, and Nigerians at home and abroad to adopt a broader and more inclusive understanding of national pride, one that celebrates Nigerian excellence wherever it is found.

Recognising Nigerians in the diaspora, she added, strengthens national unity, boosts global respect for Nigeria, and inspires future generations.

China Strengthen Commitment To Expanding Development Opportunities With Nigeria

China strengthen commitment to expanding development opportunities with Nigeria. Yan Yuqing, the consul general of China in Lagos, reiterated her country’s commitment to expanding development opportunities with Nigeria and Africa.

Yan Yuqing, the consul general of China in Lagos, says her country remains firmly committed to expanding development opportunities with Nigeria and Africa.

Ms Yan said this on Sunday night in Lagos at a reception celebrating the Spring Festival and the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.

According to her, the Spring Festival is a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, embodying the Chinese people’s heartfelt aspirations for a better future.
Reflecting on past years, Ms Yan said bilateral relations between the two countries had advanced by leaps and bounds.

”This year marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges and also the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria.

”It is our hope that both sides will seize this opportunity to deepen political mutual trust and expand cooperation in all areas, further elevating China-Nigeria relations to an even higher level,” she said.
Also, secretary to the Lagos government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the celebration spoke to the strength, resilience and relevance of the China-Nigeria relationship, describing it as one that continues to evolve.

”For Lagos state, our partnership with China is strategic and people-centred. It delivers real value, particularly in terms of human capital development. We acknowledge China’s support in entrepreneurship development, digital skills training and youth development.

China, Nigeria

”We also value the impact of the sister cities agreement, which provides a practical platform for cooperation between Lagos state and key Chinese cities,” she said.
According to her, the sister cities partnership continues to foster trade, urban development, and culture, translating diplomacy into a strategic partnership between both sides.

She stressed that Lagos remained committed to deepening its partnership while continuing to deliver impact.

At the reception, the consulate premiered the first episode of ‘Consul General’s Taste of China X Naija’, a show diving into the heart of Chinese tradition and food.