The United States House of Representatives has approved a resolution recommending sanctions on the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), its affiliate Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and other ethnic militias accused of fueling sectarian violence across Nigeria.
The resolution, introduced by Representatives Christopher Smith and Paul Huizenga, directs the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury to impose visa bans, asset freezes, and other punitive measures under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
Lawmakers said the groups had been linked to widespread killings, kidnappings, and destruction of communities, particularly in parts of Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna states. They claimed the violence, often framed as herder-farmer clashes, had evolved into coordinated assaults targeting Christian and minority Muslim populations.
The move follows Washington’s recent redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged religious-freedom violations. It marks one of the most serious U.S. congressional actions against non-state actors in Nigeria in recent years.
Nigeria’s federal government has rejected the allegations, insisting that the security crisis is complex and affects all citizens, regardless of faith or ethnicity. Officials warned that the proposed sanctions could harm bilateral relations and distort Nigeria’s internal security efforts.
The resolution now awaits further deliberation by the House Foreign Affairs and Judiciary Committees.
Written By:Subair Damilare Adebayo
