U.S. freezes assets of eight Nigerians over alleged terrorism financing and cybercrime links in latest OFAC sanctions update.
The United States government has imposed fresh sanctions on eight Nigerians over alleged links to terrorism financing and cyber-enabled fraud, intensifying its crackdown on extremist networks and transnational financial crimes.
The measures were announced in a February 10 update by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The extensive update, running into thousands of pages, outlines new designations targeting individuals accused of supporting groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State, as well as those involved in sophisticated online scams.
Among those listed is Salih Yusuf Adamu, who was previously convicted in the United Arab Emirates for transferring approximately $782,000 to Boko Haram operatives. Another individual, Nnamdi Orson Benson, was sanctioned for alleged involvement in business email compromise schemes, a form of cyber fraud that has cost global companies millions of dollars.
The sanctions also name prominent Boko Haram figures, including Abu Musab Al-Barnawi and Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, who have been linked to leadership roles within extremist factions. U.S. authorities allege that some of the sanctioned individuals have operated or resided outside Nigeria, including in the UAE.
Under the sanctions framework, all assets and property interests belonging to the designated individuals that fall within U.S. jurisdiction are frozen. American citizens and businesses are also prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The move reflects ongoing U.S. concerns about insecurity, terrorism financing, and religiously motivated violence in parts of West Africa.
Reaction among Nigerians on social media has been mixed but largely supportive. Many users described the action as a necessary step toward disrupting the financial pipelines that sustain extremist groups. Others, however, urged broader international collaboration and stronger domestic enforcement to ensure accountability and long-term stability.
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The latest sanctions highlight Washington’s continued focus on combating terrorism and cybercrime networks that operate across borders, while increasing pressure on individuals accused of enabling extremist violence through financial or logistical support.