The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of links to Boko Haram, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and cybercrime activities, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced.
The sanctions, outlined in a 3,000-page document released on February 10, 2026, block all property and interests of the designated individuals within US jurisdiction, while US persons are prohibited from conducting business with them.
Those listed include:
Salih Yusuf Adamu (Salihu Yusuf) – tied to Boko Haram and previously involved in fundraising for insurgents from the UAE.
Babestan Oluwole Ademulero (Wole A. Babestan / Olatunde Irewole Shofeso) – sanctioned under SDNTK provisions.
Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa) – flagged for terrorism-related activities.
Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf) – identified as a Boko Haram leader.
Khaled / Khalid Al-Barnawi (Abu Hafsat / Mohammed Usman) – linked to Boko Haram.
Ibrahim Ali Alhassan – Boko Haram affiliate residing in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki) – connected to ISIL.
Nnamdi Orson Benson – sanctioned for cybercrime-related offenses.
The OFAC sanctions fall under Executive Order 13224, a US counterterrorism measure targeting individuals and entities involved in terrorism financing and related threats.
The sanctions follow recommendations by US lawmakers targeting individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedoms in Nigeria. Previously, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso were recommended for visa bans and asset freezes for alleged human rights violations.
Boko Haram, designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 2013, has been responsible for thousands of deaths in northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin since 2009. The group’s activities remain a key focus of US counterterrorism and security measures.
In October 2025, US President Donald Trump added Nigeria to the Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list over alleged persecution of Christians, a designation previously removed by former President Joe Biden.
The sanctions underscore Washington’s continued efforts to combat terrorism, cyber threats, and human rights violations linked to Nigerian nationals and entities.
