US Slaps Terror, Cyber Sanctions on Nigerians, Freezes their Assets (Full List)

• The United States has sanctioned more than 20 Nigerians and several organisations over alleged ties to terrorism and cybercrime, blocking their assets under its counter-terrorism and security programmes.

The United States government has frozen the assets and properties of several Nigerians accused of having links to extremist groups including Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.

The sanctions, which also target individuals and entities accused of cybercrime and other security threats, were detailed in a 3,000-page document updated on February 10 by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, a unit of the United States Department of the Treasury.

According to the updated list, more than 20 Nigerians and several organisations operating within the country have been designated under various sanctions programmes. The action means that all property and interests belonging to the named individuals and entities within US jurisdiction are blocked under Executive Order 13224. US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

Terrorism-Related Designations

Among those listed under the Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) category are:

• Khalid al-Barnawi, linked to Boko Haram.
• Abubakar Shekau, identified as a former leader associated with Boko Haram.
• Abu Musab al-Barnawi, described as a Boko Haram affiliate and leader.
• Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, allegedly connected to ISIL.
• Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Bashir Ali Yusuf, and Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, all designated for alleged links to Boko Haram.

The designation also includes Ali Abbas Usman Jega under the SDGT programme and Abeni O. Ogungbuyi under the SDNTK sanctions framework.

Organisations based in Nigeria that were sanctioned include Boko Haram and Ansaru, both listed as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) and SDGT entities.

Other entities named under the SDGT programme include Amigo Supermarket Limited, Kafak Enterprises Limited, Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort Ltd, Aurum Ship Management FZC, and ISIS-West Africa.

Additionally, Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L. was listed under the SDGT programme for alleged links to Hizballah.

Cybercrime Designations

Several Nigerians were also designated under OFAC’s CYBER2 sanctions programme for alleged cyber-related offences. They include:

• Nnamdi Orson Benson
• Abiola Ayorinde Kayode
• Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin
• Felix Osilama Okpoh
• Micheal Olorunyomi
• Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh

OFAC stated that the publication serves as official notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals whose assets are blocked as part of US counter-terrorism and security efforts. The agency noted that the list is intended to help the public comply with sanctions programmes administered by the Treasury.

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The development underscores Washington’s continued focus on disrupting terrorism financing networks and tackling cyber threats linked to Nigerian actors.

The move comes amid heightened scrutiny by US lawmakers over religious freedom concerns in Nigeria. In recent months, members of the US Congress reportedly recommended visa bans and asset freezes against certain individuals and groups accused of religious persecution.

In October 2025, former US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would again be added to the US Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list over allegations of religious persecution. Nigeria had previously been designated in 2020 but was later removed by the administration of Joe Biden.