US Freezes Assets of 8 Nigerians Linked to Boko Haram and Cybercrime

The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerians accused of having ties to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), as well as individuals involved in cybercrime and other security threats. The move includes freezing the assets and properties of those designated under the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Sanctions Document and Background

The sanctions were detailed in a 3,000-page document dated February 10, 2026, titled the “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” and were released by OFAC. The listing serves as a reference tool to block the property and interests of designated individuals within US jurisdiction, prohibiting US persons from engaging in transactions with them.

This action follows recommendations by the US Congress to implement visa bans and asset freezes on persons and organizations accused of violating religious freedoms and persecuting Christians in Nigeria. Among those recommended were former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal.

Individuals Targeted

Notable Nigerians on the sanctions list include:

• Salih Yusuf Adamu (aka Salihu Yusuf), born August 23, 1990, linked to Boko Haram, convicted in the UAE for attempting to send $782,000 to fund insurgents.
• Babestan Oluwole Ademulero (aka Wole A. Babestan), born March 4, 1953, listed under SDNTK sanctions.
• Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (aka Ba Idrisa), born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, flagged under terrorism-related sanctions.
• Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (aka Habib Yusuf), born 1990–1995, was identified as a Boko Haram leader.
• Khaled/Khalid Al-Barnawi, born in 1976 in Maiduguri, is listed under multiple aliases.
• Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, residing in Abu Dhabi, is linked to Boko Haram.
• Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (aka Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki), born 1982, associated with ISIL.
• Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, is designated under CYBER2 sanctions.

Broader Implications

The sanctions underscore Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats. Individuals listed face frozen property and blocked transactions under Executive Order 13224. Boko Haram has been designated a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, responsible for attacks across northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, causing thousands of deaths.

The US State Department determines countries that provide support for international terrorism through laws such as the National Defense Authorization Act, Arms Export Control Act, and Foreign Assistance Act. Nigeria was recently added to the “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged persecution of Christians, a designation previously removed under former President Joe Biden but reinstated under Donald Trump in October 2025.

The OFAC sanctions represent a significant measure in international counter-terrorism and cybercrime policy, signaling that individuals and groups financing insurgency or engaging in cyber threats will face global restrictions and asset freezes.

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