List of Nigeria-Based Organisations Under U.S. Sanctions

The United States government has frozen the assets and properties of several Nigerians and Nigeria-based organisations accused of links to terrorism and cybercrime.

The sanctions were published in an updated document released on February 10 by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the arm of the U.S. Treasury responsible for enforcing economic and trade sanctions.

According to OFAC, the update runs into thousands of pages and includes more than 20 Nigerians and organisations operating within the country. Under Executive Order 13224, all property and interests belonging to those listed if found within U.S. jurisdiction  are blocked. U.S. citizens and businesses are generally prohibited from doing business or carrying out transactions with them.

OFAC explained that the publication serves as official notice to the public about individuals and entities whose assets are frozen under its various sanctions programmes.

Nigerians Named Over Terrorism Links

Several individuals listed are accused of links to extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State network.

Those named include:

• Khalid al-Barnawi — designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT).
  
• Abubakar Shekau — identified as a former Boko Haram leader.
  
• Abu Musab al-Barnawi — described as a Boko Haram affiliate and leader.
  
• Abu Bakr al-Mainuki — linked to ISIL operations.
  
• Salihu Yusuf Adamu
  
• Surajo Abubakar Muhammad
  
• Abdurrahman Ado Musa
  
• Bashir Ali Yusuf
  
• Ibrahim Ali Alhassan
  
• Ali Abbas Usman Jega — also designated as SDGT.
  
• Abeni O. Ogungbuyi — sanctioned under counter-terrorism provisions.
  

Also listed were extremist organisations themselves, including Ansaru and ISIS-West Africa, both designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists.

Nigerians Sanctioned Over Cybercrime

Beyond terrorism, OFAC also sanctioned several Nigerians under its CYBER2 designation for alleged cybercrime activities.

Those listed include:

• Nnamdi Orson Benson
  
• Abiola Ayorinde Kayode
  
• Alex Afolabi Ogunshakin
  
• Felix Osilama Okpoh
  
• Micheal Olorunyomi
  
• Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh
  

Under U.S. sanctions law, any assets these individuals hold within American jurisdiction are frozen, and U.S. persons are barred from financial dealings with them.

Nigeria-Based Organisations Sanctioned

In addition to individuals, several Nigeria-based companies were named. These include:

• Amigo Supermarket Limited
  
• Kafak Enterprises Limited
  
• Wonderland Amusement Park and Resort Ltd
  
• Aurum Ship Management FZC
  
• Jammal Trust Bank S.A.L. linked by U.S. authorities to Hizballah financing networks.
  

The inclusion of these entities signals Washington’s focus not just on armed groups, but also on financial channels and business structures allegedly connected to sanctioned individuals.

Wider U.S. Focus on Terrorism and Religious Freedom

The sanctions come amid growing attention in Washington over terrorism financing, cyber threats, and religious freedom concerns in Nigeria.

In October 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Nigeria would be added to the U.S. Department of State’s list of “Countries of Particular Concern” over allegations of religious persecution. Nigeria had first been placed on the list in 2020 under Trump but was later removed by President Joe Biden after he took office.

Some U.S. lawmakers have also recommended visa bans and asset freezes against certain Nigerian figures and organisations, including former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Miyetti Allah Kautal.

Separately, the United Kingdom continues to update its own consolidated list of terrorism-related financial sanctions, which includes asset freezes and travel bans for designated individuals.

What the Sanctions Mean

In simple terms, U.S. sanctions do not amount to criminal convictions, but they carry serious consequences. Being listed can cut individuals and companies off from the global financial system, especially where transactions involve U.S. banks or the dollar.

For Nigeria, the updated list reinforces ongoing international scrutiny around terrorism financing, cybercrime, and religious freedom concerns. For those named, the impact is immediate: frozen assets under U.S. control and a near-total ban on dealings with American individuals or businesses.