Nigeria, Nov. 1 -- United States senator Ted Cruz has vowed to advance legislation aimed at tackling the enforcement of Sharia and blasphemy laws in Nigeria, following U.S. President Donald Trump's redesignation of the country as a "Country of Particular Concern" over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a statement released on his official website, Mr Cruz, a Republican senator from Texas, said the move aligns with his long-standing efforts to protect Christians allegedly facing religious persecution in Nigeria.

"I am deeply gratified to President Trump for making this determination," the statement read. "I have fought for years to counter the slaughter and persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and this year introduced legislation tha...