US Government Expands Sanctions Against Nigerian Entities and Individuals
The United States government has recently expanded its sanctions list to include several Nigerians and organisations accused of involvement in terrorism and cybercrime. This updated document, released by the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), names over 20 individuals and entities whose assets and properties have been frozen within US jurisdiction.
Washington stated that this action highlights its ongoing commitment to combating terrorism financing, addressing cyber threats, and addressing violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. The sanctions were detailed in a comprehensive 3,000-page document updated by OFAC on February 10, 2026.
Details of the OFAC Sanctions List
Checks by reporters revealed that the list features more than 20 Nigerians and organisations operating within the country. According to OFAC, these sanctions mean that all property and interests of these individuals and entities under US jurisdiction are blocked under Executive Order 13224. US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them.
OFAC explained: “This publication is designed 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 the various sanctions programmes administered by OFAC.”
Nigerians Named in Terrorism Sanctions
Among those listed were prominent figures linked to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). These included:
- Khalid al‑Barnawi (born 1976, Maiduguri) — designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
- Abubakar Shekau (born 1969, Yobe State) — identified as a Boko Haram leader.
- Abu Musab al‑Barnawi (born 1991, Nigeria) — Boko Haram affiliate and leader.
- Abu Bakr al‑Mainuki (born 1982, Borno State) — linked to ISIL.
- Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Surajo Abubakar Muhammad, Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Bashir Ali Yusuf, and Ibrahim Ali Alhassan — all linked to Boko Haram.
- Ali Abbas Usman Jega (born 1965, Abuja) — designated as SDGT.
- Abeni O. Ogungbuyi (born 1952, Nigeria) — sanctioned under SDNTK.
Nigerians Sanctioned for Cybercrime
The OFAC list also included individuals accused of cybercrime-related offences under the CYBER2 designation. These were:
- Nnamdi Orson Benson (born 1987)
- Abiola Ayorinde Kayode (born 1987)
- Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin (born 1983)
- Felix Osilama Okpoh (born 1989)
- Micheal Olorunyomi (born 1983)
- Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh (born 1986)
Organisations Facing US Sanctions
Several Nigeria-based organisations were also sanctioned, including:
- Boko Haram — listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO) and SDGT.
- Ansaru — designated as FTO and SDGT.
- Amigo Supermarket Limited, Kafak Enterprises Limited, and Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort Ltd — linked to individuals designated by OFAC.
- Aurum Ship Management FZC — connected to designated individuals.
- ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) — listed as FTO and SDGT.
- Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L. — linked to Hizballah.
US Focus on Terrorism and Religious Freedom
The inclusion of these names underscores Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and cyber threats. This pronouncement follows recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Lawmakers had recommended sanctions against the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal. In October 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to the Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list for religious freedom, citing alleged persecution of Christians. Nigeria had first been designated in 2020 under Trump but was removed by President Joe Biden shortly after he assumed office.
Context and International Measures
This move by the US Treasury highlights a broader international effort to address security threats. Earlier reports indicated that the UK government continues to update its consolidated list of financial sanctions targets, naming several individuals linked to terrorism financing and extremist activity. These measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and direct disqualification sanctions, reflecting a coordinated approach among allies to combat global threats.
