By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The United States has introduced a bill proposing visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of religious freedom violations in Nigeria, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and some Fulani associations.

The proposed legislation, titled Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, was introduced on Tuesday by Congressman Riley Moore and co-sponsored by Rep. Chris Smith.

It urges the US Departments of State and Treasury to impose targeted sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

Those named include Fulani-ethnic nomad militias, Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

The bill also directs the US Secretary of State to assess whether certain Fulani militias should be designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations.

The bill further recommends that humanitarian assistance to Nigeria’s Middle Belt be delivered, co-funded by the Nigerian government, through trusted faith-based and non-governmental organisations.

Religious freedom concerns have intensified amid violence in the Middle Belt and parts of northern Nigeria.

In late 2025, US President Donald Trump re-designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged severe violations, a characterisation Nigeria has rejected, insisting the crisis is complex and not solely religious.

By Rofiat Olokuta 

The United States has confirmed the deployment of a small military team to Nigeria to support efforts to address the country’s security challenges.

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM), disclosed the deployment, saying it followed engagements between US and Nigerian authorities amid renewed attacks by insurgent and extremist groups in parts of the country.

AFRICOM said the personnel will provide specialised support, including intelligence and advisory assistance, to strengthen Nigeria’s counter terrorism operations. It, however, did not disclose the number of troops deployed or their locations.

A US military official said the team is not on a combat mission, but is part of ongoing security cooperation between Abuja and Washington.

Nigeria has battled Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), in the northeast, alongside banditry and kidnappings in other regions.

By Samuel Adeola

The UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-offs have thrown up blockbuster fixtures following Friday’s draw in Nyon, Switzerland, as Europe’s elite clubs battle for places in the round of 16 under the new competition format.

Holders Real Madrid will face Benfica, while Paris Saint-Germain are drawn against fellow French side Monaco. Borussia Dortmund take on Atalanta, Galatasaray clash with Juventus, and Atlético Madrid were paired with Club Brugge.

Other ties will see Olympiacos face Bayer Leverkusen, Qarabağ meet Newcastle United in a first-ever encounter, and Inter Milan take on Norway’s Bodø/Glimt, who are making their maiden appearance in the Champions League knockout stage.

The Madrid-Benfica fixture carries added intrigue following their dramatic league-phase meeting on January 28, 2026, when Benfica stunned the Spanish giants 4-2 in Lisbon. Goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a sensational 98th-minute header, a result that pushed Real Madrid into the play-offs.

UEFA deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti described the league phase as an “emotional rollercoaster,” while former Arsenal and France star Robert Pires praised the new format for delivering excitement and entertainment.