The United States government has frozen the assets and properties of several Nigerians accused of having ties to the extremist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). In addition, the US has imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations for cybercrime and other security-related offenses.
These actions are outlined in a recently updated 3,000-page document released by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on February 10. A review of the document reveals that more than 20 Nigerians and Nigeria-based organizations are currently listed.
The sanctions, authorized under Executive Order 13224, block all property and interests belonging to these individuals and entities within US jurisdiction. US persons are generally prohibited from conducting transactions with them.
Nigerians Currently Sanctioned by the US
- Khalid al‑Barnawi (aka Khaled al-Barnawi, Abu Hafsat, Mohammed Usman) — Born 1976, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) for links to Boko Haram.
- Abubakar Shekau (aka Abu Mohammed Abubakar bin Mohammed, Shehu, Shayku, Shekau) — Born 1969, Shekau Village, Yobe State. SDGT for leadership role in Boko Haram.
- Abu Musab al‑Barnawi (aka Habib Yusuf) — Born 1991 (multiple DOBs), Nigeria. SDGT, Boko Haram affiliate/leader.
- Abu Bakr al‑Mainuki (aka Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, Abor Mainok, Abubakar Mainok) — Born 1982, Mainok, Benisheikh, Borno State. SDGT for ISIL affiliation.
- Salihu Yusuf Adamu (aka Salih Yusuf Adamu) — Born August 23, 1990, Nigeria; currently in Abu Dhabi. SDGT for links to Boko Haram.
- Surajo Abubakar Muhammad (aka Surajo Abu Bakr Muhammad) — Born July 3, 1979, Nigeria; currently in Abu Dhabi. SDGT for Boko Haram affiliation.
- Abdurrahman Ado Musa — Born April 23, 1984, Nigeria. SDGT for Boko Haram involvement.
- Bashir Ali Yusuf — Born August 7, 1984, Nigeria. SDGT for Boko Haram involvement.
- Ibrahim Ali Alhassan — Born January 31, 1981, Nigeria; currently in Abu Dhabi. SDGT for Boko Haram links.
- Nnamdi Orson Benson — Born March 21, 1987, Nigeria. Designated for cybercrime (CYBER2).
- Abiola Ayorinde Kayode — Born November 14, 1987, Nigeria. CYBER2 designation.
- Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin — Born February 23, 1983, Nigeria. CYBER2 designation.
- Felix Osilama Okpoh — Born March 9, 1989, Nigeria. CYBER2 designation.
- Micheal Olorunyomi — Born May 12, 1983, Nigeria. CYBER2 designation.
- Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh — Born April 29, 1986, Nigeria. CYBER2 designation.
- Ali Abbas Usman Jega (aka Ali Abbas Othman Hassan, Abbas Jega) — Born 1965, Abuja, Nigeria. SDGT.
- Abeni O. Ogungbuyi (aka Abeni O. Babestan, Olatutu Temitope Shofeso) — Born June 30, 1952, Nigeria. SDNTK designation.
Nigeria-Based Organizations Sanctioned by the US
- Boko Haram (aka Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunnah Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad, Nigerian Taliban) — Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and SDGT for terrorism.
- Ansaru (aka Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, Vanguards for the Protection of Muslims in Black Africa) — FTO and SDGT for terrorism.
- Amigo Supermarket Limited, Kafak Enterprises Limited, Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort Ltd — SDGT, linked to designated individuals.
Organizations with Alleged Nigerian Affiliations
- Aurum Ship Management FZC — SDGT, linked to designated individuals.
- ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA) — FTO and SDGT for terrorism.
- Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L. — SDGT for links to Hizballah.
According to OFAC, this list is intended as a reference to actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals whose property and interests are blocked as part of US counter-terrorism efforts. The document serves to notify the public and support compliance with US sanctions programs.
The inclusion of these names reflects Washington’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism financing and cyber threats. The announcement also follows recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes targeting individuals and groups accused of violating religious freedom and persecuting Christians in Nigeria. Notably, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria were among those recommended for sanctions.
In October 2025, then-President Donald Trump announced for the second time that Nigeria would be added to the US State Department’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list for religious freedom, citing allegations of Christian persecution. Nigeria was first designated in 2020 under Trump, but the country was removed from the list after President Joe Biden took office.
