Secretary of State Rubio says US to restrict visas over 'Nigeria Christian persecution'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday the United States would restrict visas over what he termed persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The United States already restricts visas for human rights abuses and Trump has sharply curtailed visas in general, especially for people from developing countries.

Rubio in a statement said the United States would restrict issuing visas to people who "have directed, authorised, significantly supported, participated in or carried out violations of religious freedom."

Rubio called the step "decisive action in response to the violence against Christians in Nigeria and beyond."

Nigerian delegation visits USA

Trump in November stunned many by posting on social media that the United States was ready to take military action in Nigeria to counter what he termed the killing of Christians.

US officials, while not contradicting Trump, have since instead emphasised other US actions on Nigeria including security cooperation with the government and the prospect of targeted sanctions.

A senior Nigerian delegation recently visited Washington and announced a readiness to "deepen security cooperation" with the United States.