The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerians, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, for alleged ties to Boko Haram, ISIL, and cybercrime activities, in a move aimed at curbing terrorism and related security threats.
The sanctions, detailed in a 3,000-page document released by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on February 10, freeze all property and financial assets of the listed individuals within US jurisdiction.
US persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
Among those sanctioned are Boko Haram leaders Abu Musab Al-Barnawi and Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, as well as Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki, who is linked to ISIL.
Other names include Salih Yusuf Adamu, convicted in 2022 for funding a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates, and Nnamdi Orson Benson, listed under cybercrime sanctions.
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The sanctions also follow congressional recommendations for visa bans and asset freezes targeting individuals accused of violating religious freedoms in Nigeria.
Groups like the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal were also cited.
The US first designated Boko Haram as a foreign terrorist organization in 2013, citing its role in deadly attacks across northern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin.
The move signals Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing, insurgency, and cyber threats in the region.
OFAC emphasized that the publication serves as a reference tool to notify the public about Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, helping individuals and organizations comply with US sanctions programs.
Nigeria was added in October 2025 to the US Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list over allegations of persecution of Christians, following earlier designations under former President Donald Trump.
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