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The United States government is reportedly considering imposing sanctions on at least 12 Nigerian governors and several senior officials following their alleged inclusion on a new watchlist compiled by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), also known as the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) list. Read our last post: Trump Never Said He’s Coming to Fight Muslims — He Spoke Against Terrorists, Says DonAza
According to diplomatic sources in Washington, the U.S. is reviewing strong recommendations from USCIRF to impose visa restrictions, asset freezes, and other punitive measures against Nigerian officials accused of either promoting, tolerating, or turning a blind eye to human rights violations and religious persecution.
Those said to be on the list reportedly include governors from parts of northern and central Nigeria—regions that have witnessed recurring clashes linked to ethnic and religious tensions, as well as attacks on Christian communities and minority groups.
This move comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks labeling Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”, citing repeated attacks on churches, killings of Christian worshippers, and what he described as the Nigerian government’s “slow or insufficient response” to the violence.
Trump had earlier warned that the United States could suspend aid, review military cooperation, or take direct measures if the Nigerian government fails to act swiftly to stop extremist attacks and protect religious minorities.
Sources within the U.S. State Department said the latest assessment followed several months of intelligence gathering, field reports, and testimonies from human rights organizations documenting targeted attacks, forced displacements, and the alleged complicity of local officials and security agencies.
If approved, the sanctions could be implemented gradually—starting with travel bans and asset seizures—before extending to members of the security services and political aides accused of covering up religiously motivated killings.
The report has reportedly triggered diplomatic unease in Abuja, with top officials holding emergency consultations to evaluate the potential impact of such sanctions on Nigeria’s international reputation and foreign relations.
Reacting to the development, Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala dismissed the claims as “biased and politically motivated.”
According to him, Nigeria’s constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity, and the federal government has taken consistent measures to address insecurity across the country.
Bwala stated:
“The narrative being pushed by some foreign organizations misrepresents Nigeria’s complex security challenges as purely religious. That is not true. Terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes affect both Christians and Muslims. The government will respond officially when the U.S. finalizes its position.”
Analysts, however, believe the potential sanctions mark a significant diplomatic shift in Washington’s approach to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity. Many say it reflects growing international frustration over what observers describe as “systemic tolerance of religiously motivated violence” and a lack of accountability among Nigerian leaders.
If the U.S. proceeds with the sanctions, it would be the most serious diplomatic action taken against Nigeria in recent years—signaling that the global community is running out of patience with Abuja’s handling of the crisis.
