- The United States Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control froze the assets of eight Nigerians accused of links to Boko Haram and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant as part of counter-terrorism and financial sanctions
- The sanctions, outlined in a 3,000-page OFAC document, included individuals previously convicted for transferring funds to insurgents, such as Salih Yusuf Adamu, and leaders of Boko Haram like Abu Musab Al-Barnawi
- All property and interests of the listed individuals within US jurisdiction were blocked, with US persons prohibited from engaging in transactions under Executive Order 13224, reinforcing ongoing counter-terrorism vigilance
The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having connections to the Islamic extremist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in a move aimed at countering terrorism and related financial crimes.
The action was detailed in a 3,000-page document dated 10 February 2026, released by the United States Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and reviewed by correspondents on Monday. The report also identified other individuals sanctioned for cybercrime and national security-related offences.
The sanctions follow recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violating religious freedom and persecuting Christians in Nigeria. Notably, former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, along with Miyetti Allah Kautal, were cited in the congressional recommendations.
The OFAC document, titled Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, provides notice of actions against individuals and entities whose property within US jurisdiction is blocked. It serves as a reference for public compliance with sanctions programmes administered by OFAC.
Among the Nigerians listed are:
- Salih Yusuf Adamu (also known as Salihu Yusuf), born 23 August 1990, linked to Boko Haram and previously convicted in the UAE in 2022 for attempting to transfer $782,000 to fund insurgents in Nigeria.
- Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born 4 March 1953, listed under multiple aliases including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso.
- Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa), born between 1989–1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State, sanctioned for terrorism-related offences.
- Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf), identified as a Boko Haram leader, born 1990–1995.
- Khaled (Khalid) Al-Barnawi, born 1976 in Maiduguri, linked to Boko Haram under multiple aliases.
- Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born 31 January 1981, residing in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with Boko Haram affiliations.
- Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki), born 1982 in Mainok, Borno State, linked to ISIL.
- Nnamdi Orson Benson, born 21 March 1987, listed under cybercrime-related sanctions (CYBER2).
OFAC confirmed that all property and interests of the listed individuals within the US are blocked and US persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them, under Executive Order 13224.
Boko Haram was designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2013 and is responsible for attacks in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, claiming thousands of lives since 2009. Nigeria has also been previously designated a “Country of Particular Concern” by the US over religious freedom violations, most recently reinstated under former President Donald Trump in 2025, citing persecution of Christians.
The sanctions signal continued US vigilance in counter-terrorism financing and cybersecurity threats emanating from Nigeria.