![U.S. Treasury names 8 Nigerians in terror sanctions, freezes assets [FULL LIST]](https://lbnntv.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/US-Treasury-names-8-Nigerians-in-terror-sanctions-freezes-assets.jpeg)
According to the Treasury, the sanctions target individuals connected to Boko Haram, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and cybercrime networks, reflecting Washington’s continued concerns about Nigeria’s security landscape.
The Nigerians listed include:
- Salih Yusuf Adamu – Boko Haram funding
- Babestan Oluwole Ademulero – Terrorism
- Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi – Terrorism
- 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 – Cybercrime
U.S. moves follow heightened security concerns
The designation follows the Trump administration’s continued emphasis on Nigeria as a “country of concern” due to persistent insecurity in the northeast, where Boko Haram and ISIL-affiliated groups operate.
The latest OFAC sanctions come amid a broader debate in Washington over how to hold accountable actors perceived as driving insecurity in Nigeria.
Kwankwaso, a long‑time political figure and former presidential candidate — was cited in a proposed bill before the U.S. Congress that would target individuals or entities accused of “severe religious freedom violations.”
However, his name has not yet appeared on the official OFAC sanctions list, and the proposal has sparked controversy in Nigeria, with critics dismissing the inclusion as politically motivated or unfounded.
The focus on Nigeria reflects growing U.S. concern about persistent insecurity in the northeast, where insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISIL‑linked factions remain active.
In 2025, the Trump administration redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” on religious freedom issues, a move that has influenced subsequent legislative and sanctions initiatives.
“The sanctions reflect our commitment to countering terrorism and preventing the exploitation of global financial systems by violent extremist actors,” the U.S. Treasury said.
The presence of American forces is part of a broader strategy to stabilize Nigeria’s volatile northeast while supporting Nigerian security forces.
The actions highlight Washington’s willingness under President Trump to take an active role in confronting threats in Africa, beyond diplomatic pressure or financial penalties.
By targeting both financial networks and on-the-ground leadership, the United States aims to reinforce its long-standing policy of containing extremist activity, protecting regional stability, and signaling that involvement in terrorism or cybercrime carries severe consequences.
