US Senator Ted Cruz Pushes for Sanctions Against Nigerian Officials Over Religious Persecution
Washington D.C., United States - US Senator Ted Cruz has renewed his call for legislative action against Nigerian officials accused of involvement in religious persecution, announcing plans to advance his Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Senator Cruz wrote, "Enough is enough. Congress should move my Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act to push back against the Nigerian officials behind these atrocities."
The Texas Republican senator has championed the proposed legislation in previous congressional sessions. The bill seeks to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities found responsible for violations of religious freedom in Nigeria, particularly against Christian communities.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act would authorize the US government to identify and sanction Nigerian officials, security personnel, and other actors deemed complicit in religious persecution. Sanctions could include visa restrictions, asset freezes, and other financial penalties against those responsible for attacks on worshippers or for failing to protect religious minorities.
Cruz's renewed push comes amid escalating concern among US lawmakers and human rights advocates over systematic attacks on Christian worshippers in Nigeria and alleged government inaction in addressing the violence. Nigeria has experienced years of violence against Christian communities, particularly in the Middle Belt and northern regions, from groups including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and armed Fulani militants.
According to Open Doors USA, Nigeria ranks among the deadliest countries in the world for Christians, with thousands killed annually in religiously motivated attacks. The 2024 World Watch List reported that Nigeria had the highest number of Christians killed for their faith globally.
International Christian Concern and other advocacy organizations have documented widespread attacks on churches, kidnappings of clergy and congregants, and destruction of Christian villages. Critics argue that the Nigerian government has failed to adequately prosecute perpetrators or provide sufficient security for vulnerable Christian communities.
The proposed legislation has garnered support from religious freedom advocates and some members of Congress who argue that the United States must use its diplomatic and economic leverage to pressure the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities and hold perpetrators accountable.
Previous versions of the bill have been introduced but have not advanced to a floor vote. Cruz's renewed effort signals continued congressional attention to the issue of religious persecution in Nigeria, which has become a significant concern for American policymakers and faith-based organizations.
The Nigerian government has previously disputed characterizations of the violence as primarily religious persecution, arguing that conflicts in the country stem from a complex mix of ethnic tensions, economic competition over resources, and criminal banditry rather than religious motivation alone.
THE CRUSADERS OPINION
Senator Cruz is absolutely right. Nigeria faces systematic Islamic genocide against Christians, and America's silence has been deafening.
While politicians worry about offending Islamic sensibilities, thousands of Nigerian Christians are slaughtered annually by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and Fulani militants. Churches burn.
Pastors are beheaded. Children are kidnapped.
Yet the Nigerian government does nothing because too many officials sympathize with or enable these Islamic terror groups.
This isn't ethnic conflict or banditry; it's religious cleansing. Christians across denominations must unite behind Cruz's bill.
Targeted sanctions send a clear message: America will not tolerate governments that allow Islamic militants to massacre believers.
The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act represents exactly the kind of bold action Western nations should take worldwide.
Christian freedom isn't negotiable.
Take Action: Support the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act
Contact Senator Ted Cruz's Office: https://www.cruz.senate.gov/contact
Contact Your Senators: https://www.senate.gov/senators/senators-contact.htm
Urge them to support the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act and hold Nigerian officials accountable for Christian persecution.
Open Doors USA - Pray for Nigeria: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/nigeria/
International Christian Concern - Take Action: https://www.persecution.org/take-action/
