U.S. Department of the Treasury Sanctions 8 Nigerians Over Terrorism, Freezes Assets

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), an agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has placed sanctions on eight Nigerians over alleged links to terrorism and cybercrime.

The decision was announced in a document released on February 10. According to U.S. authorities, the individuals are connected to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as international cybercrime networks.

What the Sanctions Mean

The sanctions mean that:

All assets belonging to the listed individuals within U.S. jurisdiction have been frozen.
U.S. citizens and companies are banned from doing business or carrying out transactions with them.
Any financial dealings linked to the individuals in the United States are blocked.

U.S. officials say the move is aimed at disrupting terrorism financing and protecting global security.

Names of the Listed Nigerians

The individuals named in the sanctions include:

Salih Yusuf Adamu – Allegedly linked to Boko Haram funding
Babestan Oluwole Ademulero – Alleged terrorism links
Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi – Alleged terrorism links
Abu Musab Al-Barnawi – Boko Haram leader
Khaled Al-Barnawi – Boko Haram
Ibrahim Ali Alhassan – Boko Haram
Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad Al-Mainuki – ISIL
Nnamdi Orson Benson – Alleged cybercrime activities

U.S. Raises Security Concerns

The United States said the action reflects ongoing concerns about insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram and ISIL-linked groups remain active.

The U.S. government stated that the sanctions show its commitment to fighting terrorism and stopping extremist groups from using global financial systems.

Debate Over Other Names

Some U.S. lawmakers have also proposed sanctions against former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) over alleged religious freedom violations.

However, Kwankwaso’s name does not currently appear on the official OFAC sanctions list. MACBAN has denied any link to terrorism and has called for dialogue with U.S. authorities.

U.S. Security Support in Nigeria

The United States has also deployed troops and special operations advisers to Nigeria to support intelligence, surveillance, and counterterrorism efforts against Boko Haram and ISIL-linked groups.

Security experts say the sanctions and military support are part of a broader U.S. strategy to weaken extremist networks and promote stability in the region.

U.S. officials say the message is clear: involvement in terrorism or cybercrime will attract serious consequences.