The United States Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerians over alleged links to terrorism and cybercrime, freezing their assets and blocking financial transactions under US jurisdiction.
The action was detailed in a 3,000-page document dated February 10 and released by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The publication, titled the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” outlines individuals and entities whose property and interests have been blocked as part of counter-terrorism and security enforcement measures.
According to OFAC, the updated list serves as official notice of sanctions against individuals designated under various programmes, including terrorism and cyber-related offences. The agency said the publication is intended to assist the public in complying with US sanctions regulations by identifying persons with whom financial dealings are prohibited.
The move follows recent recommendations by members of the US Congress calling for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of religious freedom violations and persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Among those reportedly recommended for sanctions were former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal.
Among the newly sanctioned individuals is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, who was identified as having ties to Boko Haram. He was previously convicted in the United Arab Emirates in 2022 alongside five other Nigerians for attempting to raise and transfer funds to support insurgent activities in Nigeria.
Also designated under terrorism-related sanctions are Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, who was linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
In addition, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero was sanctioned under counter-terrorism provisions, while Nnamdi Orson Benson was listed under cyber-related sanctions.
The sanctions were imposed pursuant to Executive Order 13224, which targets individuals and entities involved in terrorism. Under the measures, all property and interests of the designated persons within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US citizens and entities are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
The United States officially designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organisation in 2013. The United States Department of State has repeatedly blamed the group for deadly attacks across northern and northeastern Nigeria and parts of the Lake Chad Basin since 2009.
In October 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would again be placed on the State Department’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” over alleged violations of religious freedom. Nigeria was first designated under the category in 2020 during Trump’s earlier administration but was later removed by his successor, Joe Biden.
