RismadarVoice Reporters
February 16, 2026
The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians accused of having links to the Islamic sects, Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The action was detailed in a 3,000-page document dated February 10, 2026, released by the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and sighted by correspondents on Monday.
The document also identified individuals sanctioned for cybercrime and other security threats.
The move follows recent recommendations by the US Congress for visa bans and asset freezes on persons and groups accused of violating religious freedom and persecuting Christians in Nigeria.
Among those recommended for sanctions were the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal.
The OFAC publication, titled Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, provides a reference of individuals and entities whose assets have been frozen, aiming to prevent financial dealings with persons involved in terrorism and other illicit activities.
According to OFAC, the sanctions form part of broader counter-terrorism efforts. “This publication is designed as a reference tool providing notice of actions by OFAC with respect to Specially Designated Nationals and other persons whose property is blocked, to assist the public in complying with various sanctions programmes,” the agency stated.
Among the Nigerians listed is Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, born on August 23, 1990.
He was identified as having ties to Boko Haram, reportedly holds a Nigerian passport.
Yusuf was one of six Nigerians convicted in 2022 in the United Arab Emirates for setting up a Boko Haram cell to raise funds for insurgents in Nigeria.
The six men were found guilty of attempting to send $782,000 from Dubai to Nigeria.
Other individuals designated include Babestan Oluwole Ademulero (aliases: Wole A. Babestan, Olatunde Irewole Shofeso), Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (also known as Ba Idrisa), and Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (also referred to as Habib Yusuf), all of whom were sanctioned under terrorism-related provisions.
The sanctions freeze any property and interests these individuals hold in the United States and prohibit US persons and entities from engaging in financial dealings with them.
