US Treasury Releases Comprehensive 2026 Sanctions List Targeting Nigerians
The United States Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has published an extensive 3,000-page document in 2026, detailing individuals and entities whose assets have been frozen under its sanctions programs. This sweeping publication serves as a critical reference tool, providing formal notice of actions taken against Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) whose property and interests within US jurisdiction are now blocked.
Nigerian Nationals Identified for Security Threats
Among those prominently featured in the massive document are several Nigerian citizens whose assets have been frozen due to alleged connections to terrorism, cybercrime, and other security threats. The US government stated that this move represents part of its broader strategy to block property and interests of designated individuals while preventing financial dealings with them.
The sanctions effectively mean that all property and interests belonging to these individuals within US jurisdiction are now blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them. This action highlights Washington's continued focus on countering terrorism financing and addressing cyber threats through financial measures.
Detailed Profiles of Designated Nigerians
Salih Yusuf Adamu, also known as Salihu Yusuf, was born on August 23, 1990, in Nigeria and carries a Nigerian passport. OFAC identified him as having ties to the Boko Haram terrorist organization.
Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, born on March 4, 1953, in Nigeria, appeared under several aliases including Wole A. Babestan and Olatunde Irewole Shofeso. He was designated under the SDNTK (Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficking Kingpin) program.
Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi, also known as Ba Idrisa, was reported to have been born between 1989 and 1994 in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was flagged under terrorism-related sanctions.
Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, also referred to as Habib Yusuf, was listed with varying birth years between 1990 and 1995. He was identified as a Boko Haram leader and sanctioned under terrorism provisions.
Khaled/Khalid Al-Barnawi appeared twice in the publication. Born in 1976 in Maiduguri, Nigeria, he was linked to Boko Haram and carried several aliases including Abu Hafsat and Mohammed Usman.
Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, born January 31, 1981, in Nigeria, was listed with a Nigerian passport. He was reported to reside in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was linked to Boko Haram.
Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad Al-Mainuki, also known as Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, was born in 1982 in Mainok, Borno State. He was identified as having ties to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
Nnamdi Orson Benson, born March 21, 1987, in Nigeria, was listed under CYBER2 sanctions. He held a Nigerian passport and was designated for cybercrime-related activities.
Legal Framework and Designation Categories
The sanctions against these individuals were implemented under Executive Order 13224 and other relevant authorities. US officials explained that the designation carries four main categories of sanctions, which include asset freezes and transaction prohibitions.
This action follows established US policy regarding state sponsors of terrorism. The United States Secretary of State determines that certain countries have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism. These countries are designated under three key laws: section 1754(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, section 40 of the Arms Export Control Act, and section 620A of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.
The publication of this comprehensive list represents a significant step in US efforts to combat global security threats through financial measures, with Nigerian nationals featuring prominently among those targeted for their alleged connections to terrorist organizations and cybercrime networks.
