Ted Cruz Targets Islamist Violence with Nigeria Religious Freedom Act

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R) has introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, a bill seeking to protect Christians and other religious minorities in Nigeria who face persecution.

The legislation aims to hold Nigerian officials accountable for enabling Islamist jihadist violence and enforcing blasphemy laws that violate basic human rights. Sen. Cruz emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that Nigerian Christians are being executed for their faith and forced to live under Sharia Law.

"It is long past time to impose real costs on the Nigerian officials who facilitate these activities," said Cruz in a statement.

Nigeria has been subjected to religious violence for over a decade, largely fueled by extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. Reports say that over 52,000 Christians have been killed since 2009, and over 20,000 churches have been destroyed.

The Bill proposes targeted sanctions against Nigerian officials implicated in the religious violence and the enforcement of blasphemy laws. It also directs the U.S. Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" and maintain terrorist designations for Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.

Cruz's legislation aims to increase pressure on the Nigerian government and take meaningful action against religious persecution, defending the freedom of belief for all citizens.