U.S. Sanctions Eight Nigerians Over Terror Links

In a sweeping counter-terrorism measure, the U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned eight Nigerians, freezing their assets and properties over alleged links to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

The announcement was contained in a 3,000-page report dated February 10, issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The document also flagged individuals involved in cybercrime and other security threats, underscoring Washington’s broader crackdown on global networks that undermine stability.

This development follows recent recommendations by the U.S. Congress calling for visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of religious persecution in Nigeria, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah associations.

The OFAC publication, Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, serves as an official reference tool, detailing persons and entities whose assets are blocked. According to the agency, the move is part of ongoing efforts to prevent financial dealings with designated nationals and disrupt terrorist financing.

Among those named is Salih Yusuf Adamu (also known as Salihu Yusuf), born August 23, 1990, who was convicted in the United Arab Emirates in 2022 for attempting, along with five others, to transfer $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria to support Boko Haram.

Other Nigerians listed include Babestan Oluwole Ademulero (born March 4, 1953), sanctioned under SDNTK provisions and identified under multiple aliases; Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (alias Ba Idrisa), reportedly born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri; and Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (alias Habib Yusuf), recognized as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions.

Khaled (or Khalid) Al-Barnawi, whose name appeared twice in the publication, was born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria. He was linked to Boko Haram and listed under several aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman.

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport. He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram.

Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to ISIL.

Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions and was reported to hold a Nigerian passport.

The inclusion of these names in the OFAC list highlights Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats.

The sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Nigerians listed under the US Treasury sanctions face asset freezes under Executive Order 13224.