US Sanctions 8 Nigerians for Terrorism

The United States, through its Treasury's United States — Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerian individuals. These individuals are accused of having links to the Islamic sect Boko Haram, the Islamic State (ISIL), and cybercrime-related offenses. The sanctions were detailed in a 3,000-page document released on February 10, 2026, titled 'Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.' Among those sanctioned are Salih Yusuf Adamu, Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab al-Barnawi, Khaled al-Barnawi, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, and Nnamdi Orson Benson. Some of these individuals, like Salih Yusuf Adamu, were previously convicted in the United Arab Emirates for establishing a Boko Haram cell and attempting to transfer funds to Nigeria. The sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals within US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. This move aligns with broader US efforts to counter terrorism financing and cyber threats, following recommendations from the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on groups accused of religious freedom violations in Nigeria, including Rabiu Kwankwaso, Miyetti Allah, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.