The United States senator Ted Cruz has called on the White House to implement targeted sanctions against Nigerian government officials and twelve Nigerian state governments that enforce Sharia and blasphemy laws, which he argues are being used to persecute Christians.
Following President Donald Trump’s reinstatement of Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)—a status that had been lifted by the Biden administration—Cruz emphasized the need for decisive action from Washington to halt the “mass killings” of Christians in Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, when Joe Biden took office, he immediately removed Nigeria from the list, lifted pressures, lifted sanctions, and ignored the slaughter of Christians by radical Islamic terrorists in Nigeria,” Cruz stated.
He disclosed that he has proposed legislation aimed at imposing visa bans, asset freezes, and other financial sanctions on Nigerian officials believed to be involved in religious persecution.
“These officials are responsible for enabling or tolerating this mass slaughter. The federal government criminalizes blasphemy nationwide, while 12 states enforce Sharia and blasphemy laws to persecute Christians,” he explained.
Cruz further noted that the suggested measures would “encourage Nigerian authorities to put an end to the mass murder that is taking place.”
His appeal follows President Trump’s comments asserting that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” warning that the U.S. might “intervene to protect Christians” if the violence continues.
Trump remarked that Nigeria’s re-designation as a Country of Particular Concern was a necessary response to “thousands of Christians being killed by radical Islamists,” and urged Congress to investigate the situation promptly.
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In contrast, the Nigerian government has firmly rejected Trump’s assertions, claiming that the ongoing violence is a result of broader security issues rather than religious persecution, and that the constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of worship for all religions.
