The United States has announced it will impose visa restrictions on individuals involved in persecuting Christians in Nigeria.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared the decision on X on Wednesday, explaining that the sanctions target anyone who directs, authorizes, funds, or supports violations of religious freedom.

“United States is taking decisive action in response to the atrocities and violence against Christians in Nigeria and around the world,” Rubio said. “The @StateDept will restrict U.S. visas for those who knowingly direct, authorize, fund, support, or carry out violations of religious freedom. This visa policy applies to Nigeria and other governments or individuals that persecute people for their religious beliefs.”

The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing what he described as a “genocide against Christians.” Trump made the declaration on October 30 via Truth Social and later underscored it in a national address.