Boko Haram, Cybercrime: U.S. Freezes Assets of Eight Nigerians
Last update: February 16, 2026
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U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control says the publication serves as notice of actions to block the property and interests of designated individuals and entities as part of counter-terrorism efforts.....
The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of links to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, according to a document released by the U.S. Treasury.
The 3,000-page publication dated Feb. 10 by the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), titled “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List,” detailed individuals sanctioned for terrorism, cybercrime-related offences and other security threats.
OFAC said the publication serves as notice of actions taken to block the property and interests of designated individuals and entities as part of counter-terrorism efforts, prohibiting U.S. persons from engaging in financial transactions with them.
Among those listed was Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, identified as having ties to Boko Haram. U.S. authorities noted he was among six Nigerians convicted in the United Arab Emirates in 2022 for attempting to raise and transfer funds to support insurgents in Nigeria.
Also designated were Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, Abu Musab Al-Barnawi and Khaled Al-Barnawi, all identified as linked to Boko Haram, as well as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, who was reported to have ties to ISIL.
Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, and Nnamdi Orson Benson, listed under cyber-related sanctions, were also included.
The move follows recent recommendations by U.S. lawmakers for visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and groups accused of violations of religious freedom in Nigeria. Those recommended included former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.
Under U.S. sanctions rules, all property and interests in property of designated persons within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. The measures were imposed pursuant to Executive Order 13224, which targets individuals and entities involved in terrorism.
The United States designated Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organisation in 2013, citing its role in attacks across Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin that have killed thousands since 2009.
In October 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump said Nigeria would be placed on a religious freedom watchlist, alleging persecution of Christians. Nigeria was first designated a Country of Particular Concern in 2020 under Trump, before being removed from the list by former President Joe Biden in 2021.
