The United States government has imposed financial sanctions on eight Nigerian nationals over alleged connections to extremist groups and cybercrime networks.
The action targets individuals accused of supporting Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, as well as others implicated in activities considered threats to security.
Details of the measures were disclosed in a 3,000-page report dated February 10, 2026, published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, a division of the United States Department of the Treasury.
The document outlines individuals and entities whose assets have been blocked under various U.S. sanctions frameworks focused on combating terrorism and cyber-related offenses.
“This publication provides notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals and other persons whose property is blocked, helping the public comply with US sanctions programs,” OFAC stated.
One of those named is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, who authorities say played a role in setting up a Boko Haram fundraising network in the United Arab Emirates. In 2022, Yusuf and five others were found guilty of attempting to move $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria to aid insurgent operations.
Also listed under terrorism-related sanctions are Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa), Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf), Khaled Al-Barnawi (Abu Hafsat/Mohammed Usman), Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, and Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki). Babestan Oluwole Ademulero was additionally cited for alleged involvement in cybercrime.
Under the sanctions, U.S. citizens and entities are barred from conducting financial transactions with those designated. Any assets or property linked to the individuals that fall within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen.
U.S. officials said the measures form part of wider initiatives to curb the financing of terrorism and disrupt cyber-enabled threats.
The sanctions come after members of the U.S. Congress called for visa restrictions and asset freezes against individuals and groups accused of undermining religious freedom in Nigeria. Those recommendations included former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.
The Treasury Department reiterated that Boko Haram was designated a foreign terrorist organization in 2013 and has been linked to numerous deadly attacks in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.
“These designations are part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts and reflect the US commitment to blocking financial support for terrorist organizations,” OFAC said.
