A United States lawmaker has praised President Donald Trump’s administration for introducing visa restrictions targeting Nigerians who fund, support, or participate in terrorism and attacks on Christians in the country.
Rep. Riley Moore, representing West Virginia’s Second District, described the visa policy as a “good first step” toward holding perpetrators accountable. He made the remarks on his official X account, responding to an announcement by US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio.
Rubio had announced on Wednesday that the Trump administration would restrict US visas for individuals who “knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom.” The policy is aimed at those implicated in violence against Christians in Nigeria, as well as similar cases in other countries.
Rep. Moore welcomed the policy, saying it sends a strong signal that the international community will hold extremists and their supporters responsible.
“Accountability is coming to those who perpetrate or turn a blind eye to the persecution of our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he said in his post. “This is a good first step.”
The lawmaker’s reaction reflects growing concern in the US and internationally over religious-based violence in Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities in certain northern states.
The Trump administration’s visa restrictions are part of a broader effort to promote religious freedom and human rights worldwide. By limiting travel to the United States for those involved in acts of persecution, the policy aims to apply pressure on governments and individuals complicit in such crimes.
In Nigeria, several communities have been affected by attacks from extremist groups, including Islamic militants and armed bandits, which have targeted churches, schools, and civilians. While the Nigerian government denies that a genocide is occurring, reports of violence against Christian populations have been widely documented by international organizations.
The visa policy will apply not only to individual perpetrators but also to governments or officials who are perceived as turning a blind eye to the persecution of people based on religion. This measure reflects the US government’s emphasis on holding violators accountable through diplomatic and travel-related sanctions.
The policy has drawn attention from lawmakers and human rights advocates who believe that punitive measures, such as visa restrictions, can pressure governments to act against perpetrators. Rep. Moore’s comments highlight the view that external pressure can serve as a tool to enhance accountability and protect vulnerable populations.
In addition to the visa restrictions, human rights groups have repeatedly called on the Nigerian government to strengthen security measures and investigate attacks on religious communities. They argue that a combination of internal enforcement and international pressure is necessary to curb violence and ensure the safety of civilians.
The Nigerian government has maintained that security challenges affect all citizens, regardless of religion. Officials have repeatedly denied allegations of a targeted genocide against Christians and assert that efforts are ongoing to address threats from various armed groups, including bandits and extremist organizations.
