By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA/WASHINGTON—The diplomatic crisis between Nigeria and the United States has intensified on multiple fronts, with the US Congress introducing a new bill seeking to impose targeted sanctions on the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore. This legislative push coincides with the Federal Government’s diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation while President Bola Tinubu vows to defeat terrorism.
The proposed US sanctions, sponsored by Representative Smith Christopher, include visa bans and asset freezes for individuals associated with the two Fulani groups, citing alleged severe violations of religious freedom against Christians in Nigeria. The bill also seeks to add “Fulani-Ethnic Militias” operating in Benue and Plateau states to the list of Entities of Particular Concern (EPCs)—a designation reserved for non-state actors committing severe religious freedom violations.
Tinubu Vows Victory Amid US Military Planning
President Bola Tinubu, responding to the political headwinds and threats of military attack by President Donald Trump, assured the nation that his administration is determined to deepen global engagement and intensify the fight against terrorism.
Speaking after an economic briefing, President Tinubu stated: “The most important thing is the fact that despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we will continue to engage with our partners… we are engaging the world diplomatically, and we assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in the country.”
This resolve comes as The New York Times reported that the US military has drawn up contingency plans for potential airstrikes in Nigeria under a direct order from President Trump. The US Africa Command submitted operational options categorized as “heavy” (aircraft carrier deployment), “medium” (drone strikes via MQ-9 Reaper and Predator drones), and “light” (intelligence sharing) to intervene to protect Christians. Senior Pentagon officials, however, reportedly conceded that limited strikes are unlikely to end Nigeria’s insurgency without a full-scale campaign.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, insisted that the administration remains “very calm” and is not in any “panic mode” over the United States’ position on alleged genocide.
Speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister affirmed that the government is taking the security issues seriously and has opened channels of discussion with the US.
“We prefer that this situation be solved diplomatically. We don’t want to escalate it through rhetoric,” Idris said. He reaffirmed the constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, stressing that the killing of any Nigerian citizen is of concern, and the government is committed to tackling violence while maintaining national dignity and respect.
US Legislative Escalation
The push in the US Congress marks a significant escalation. Representative Smith Christopher commended President Trump for re-designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Senator Ted Cruz also vowed to hold Nigerian officials accountable, having earlier proposed the “Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025,” which called for targeted sanctions against officials who promoted or enforced blasphemy laws.
While supporters argue the measures are necessary to address documented religious violence, critics maintain that Nigeria’s insecurity is rooted in broader social and economic factors, a position the Nigerian government has consistently held.
President Tinubu had earlier dismissed claims that Nigeria is religiously intolerant, stating that the country remains a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and is committed to working with the international community to deepen cooperation.