WASHINGTON: The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerians accused of connections to the extremist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as well as involvement in cybercrime activities.
The sanctions, announced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, include freezing any assets or financial interests belonging to the listed individuals within US jurisdiction and restricting transactions with them. The names appeared in the agency’s updated Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List released on February 10.
The action follows earlier recommendations from the United States Congress calling for visa bans and asset freezes against persons and organisations accused of religious-freedom violations in Nigeria. Among those reportedly mentioned in earlier discussions were former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria
Among those designated:
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Salih Yusuf Adamu – linked to financing Boko Haram activities abroad.
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Babestan Oluwole Ademulero – listed under terrorism-related sanctions.
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Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi and Abu Musab Al-Barnawi – identified as Boko Haram figures.
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Khaled (Khalid) Al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Abu Bakr Al-Mainuki – associated with militant networks.
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Nnamdi Orson Benson – cited under cybercrime sanctions.
The US designated Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organisation in 2013, citing its role in deadly attacks across northern Nigeria and neighbouring Lake Chad Basin countries. The group’s activities have caused thousands of deaths and large-scale displacement since 2009.
Sanctions under US counter-terrorism laws typically block property within US control and prohibit American individuals or companies from engaging in financial dealings with those listed.
In late 2025, US President Donald Trump indicated that Nigeria could again be placed on a religious-freedom watchlist. Nigeria had previously been designated a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 but was later removed from the list by the administration of Joe Biden.
