The United States has imposed asset freezes on eight Nigerian nationals over alleged links to terrorist groups, including ISIL), in a sweeping sanctions update released by the (OFAC).

In a notice published over the weekend, OFAC—an arm of the U.S. government, listed the eight individuals in its updated Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) register. The extensive document, spanning more than 3,000 pages, serves as a comprehensive reference for sanctioned individuals and entities worldwide.

Under the sanctions, all property and interests in property belonging to the designated individuals that are within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. U.S. persons are also generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The move is part of broader counter-terrorism efforts implemented under Executive Order 13224, which targets individuals and organisations involved in terrorism and its financing.

OFAC said the publication provides formal notice of sanctions actions and is intended to assist the public in complying with U.S. counter-terrorism programs.

The Designated Individuals
Among those named is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born August 23, 1990. He was previously convicted in the United Arab Emirates in 2022 as part of a group of six Nigerians accused of operating a Boko Haram fundraising cell in Dubai. The group allegedly attempted to transfer about $782,000 to support fighters in Nigeria.

Also listed is Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born March 4, 1953, who was designated under terrorism-related sanctions.

Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa, born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State, was sanctioned for terrorism-related activities.

Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf and reportedly born between 1990 and 1995, was identified as a Boko Haram leader and designated under terrorism provisions.

Khaled, also known as Khalid Al-Barnawi, born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria, was also included on the list. He is linked to Boko Haram and is known by aliases such as Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman.

Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, reportedly residing in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, was designated for alleged association with Boko Haram.

Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State, was identified as having ties to ISIL.

Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, was designated under CYBER2 sanctions for alleged cybercrime-related offences.

Continued Counter-Terrorism Focus
The latest action underscores Washington’s continued focus on countering terrorism financing and related threats. was officially designated a Foreign Terrorist Organisation by the U.S. government in 2013.

According to U.S. authorities, the group has carried out numerous attacks across northern and northeastern Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region—affecting Cameroon, Chad, and Niger—resulting in thousands of deaths since 2009.

U.S. officials noted that some of the individuals, including Salihu Yusuf Adamu and Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, had previously been designated in 2022 for allegedly providing financial support to Boko Haram from abroad.

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