The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of ties to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), according to a 3,000-page document dated February 10, released by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The document also lists individuals sanctioned for cybercrime and other security threats. The move follows recent US Congress recommendations for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violating religious freedom and persecuting Christians in Nigeria.
Among those targeted are former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal, all recommended for visa bans and asset freezes.
Titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” the OFAC document details individuals and entities whose assets are blocked as part of broader counter-terrorism and security measures.
“This publication serves as a reference tool providing actual notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons, whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with sanctions programmes,” OFAC said.
Individuals sanctioned
- Salih Yusuf Adamu (aka Salihu Yusuf), born August 23, 1990, Nigeria, linked to Boko Haram; previously convicted in the UAE in 2022 for setting up a Boko Haram cell and attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria.
- Babestan Oluwole Ademulero (aliases: Wole A. Babestan, Olatunde Irewole Shofeso), born March 4, 1953, Nigeria , designated under SDNTK sanctions.
- Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (aka Ba Idrisa), born 1989–1994, Maiduguri, Borno State, flagged under terrorism-related sanctions.
- Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (aka Habib Yusuf), born 1990–1995, Boko Haram leader sanctioned under terrorism provisions.
- Khaled/Khalid Al-Barnawi, born 1976, Maiduguri, Boko Haram links; listed under several aliases, including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman.
- Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, Nigeria, linked to Boko Haram; reportedly resides in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (aka Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki), born 1982, Mainok, Borno State, linked to ISIL.
- Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, Nigeria, designated under CYBER2 sanctions.
All property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them. The sanctions are issued under Executive Order 13224, part of Washington’s continued efforts to counter terrorism financing and cyber threats.
Background
Boko Haram was officially designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US in 2013 and is responsible for attacks across northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, killing thousands since 2009. The US Secretary of State identifies countries repeatedly supporting international terrorism under several laws, including the National Defense Authorization Act and the Foreign Assistance Act.
In October 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be placed on the State Department’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list for alleged persecution of Christians, marking the second time the country received the designation. Nigeria was first listed in 2020, but former President Joe Biden removed it shortly after taking office.
