Ted Cruz Pushes Sanctions Over Alleged Persecution of Nigerian Christians

By Diafa Doubra, Warri

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz has announced a new bill targeting Nigerian officials accused of enforcing blasphemy and Sharia laws, saying these measures fuel widespread persecution of Christians. He argued that rising killings, arrests, and religious tensions in parts of Nigeria justify strong international action.

Cruz said the legislation would introduce sanctions including travel bans and asset freezes for officials linked to religious-freedom violations. Nigerian authorities have rejected his claims of “genocide,” insisting the country’s security problems affect all communities. Despite this, Cruz maintains that the U.S. must intervene to protect vulnerable groups.