- Trump cites Boko Haram and ISIS threat in Nigeria
- Security concerns influenced US travel restrictions
- Visa overstay rates also reviewed by Washington
- Religious violence raised at UN level
United States President Donald Trump has raised alarm over the continued activities of Boko Haram, the Islamic State (ISIS) and other extremist groups in Nigeria, describing their presence as a major security concern. Trump said the activities of the terrorist groups were among the key reasons Nigeria was placed on the US travel restriction list.
Trump made the remarks in a formal proclamation announcing new travel restrictions on several countries, including Nigeria.
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“Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria,” Trump stated.
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According to the US President, security concerns were weighed alongside immigration compliance data before Nigeria was added to the restricted list.
Official figures showed Nigeria recorded a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56%, while the F, M and J visa overstay rate stood at 11.90%. Despite these relatively low numbers compared to other affected countries, security threats reportedly played a decisive role.
A fact sheet released by the White House revealed that several African countries placed on the list had far higher visa overstay rates than Nigeria, strengthening arguments that terrorism concerns were a major factor.
Observers were not surprised by the move, as Trump has repeatedly spoken out in recent months about deadly attacks on Christians and communities in Nigeria.
On October 31, the US government designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, a classification reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom under US law.
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Trump also previously warned that the United States could take direct action against terrorist groups operating in Nigeria, a statement that drew reactions from global powers including China and Russia.
In November, the Trump administration led discussions at the United Nations on religious violence in Nigeria. That same month, US Ambassador Mike Waltz said atrocities in the country were being carried out by “Boko Haram and over 20 other extremist groups.”
In December, a US congressional delegation led by Congressman Riley Moore visited Nigeria to assess the security situation. Moore described what he witnessed as “heartbreaking” and announced plans to push for a strategic security framework to confront Boko Haram, ISIS, and wider extremist violence.
