U.S. authorities have commenced a visa ban against Nigerians linked to violations of religious freedom, according to Mark Walker, U.S. Principal Advisor for Global Religious Freedom.

Mr Walker disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, referencing a U.S. Department of State statement announcing that a new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the U.S. government to restrict visa issuance to Nigerians linked to religious freedom violations.

According to the American advisor for global religious freedom, U.S. authorities have commenced a visa ban policy targeted at Nigerians linked to religious freedom violations, following alleged concerns over a Christian genocide in the country.

“In December, Secretary Rubio announced that the @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who have directed, authorised, funded, significantly supported, or carried out violations of religious freedom. We have already executed this policy and we will continue to subject perpetrators to additional scrutiny,” Mr Walker said.

Mr Walker, however, did not mention the names of Nigerians affected by the visa ban or their families impacted by the policy.

This followed the earlier redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern amid a campaign over alleged Christian genocide in the country.

Also, the U.S. military struck terrorists in their hideout in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, based on President Donald Trump’s order.

Last December, the U.S. Department of State released a statement on U.S. efforts to tackle killings by terrorists, bandits, and Fulani militias in Nigeria.

“The United States is taking decisive action in response to the mass killings and violence against Christians by radical Islamic terrorists, Fulani ethnic militias, and other violent actors in Nigeria and beyond,” the statement reads.

It added: “A new policy under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act will allow the State Department to restrict visa issuance to individuals who have directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom and, where appropriate, their immediate family members.”