US Freezes Assets of 8 Nigerians for Terrorism Links

On February 10, 2023, the US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced the freezing of assets belonging to eight Nigerians due to alleged ties to cybercrime, Boko Haram, and ISIL. The action is part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism and was detailed in a 3,000-page update to the Special Designated Nationals (SDN) list.

Among those sanctioned are Salih Yusuf Adamu, linked to Boko Haram and convicted in 2022, and Babestan Oluwol Ademulero, who has multiple aliases. Other individuals include Abu Musab Al Barnawi, a known Boko Haram leader, and Nnamdi Orson Benson, identified as a significant cybercrime actor.

The sanctions follow recommendations from US Congress members for visa bans and asset freezes against certain Nigerians accused of violating religious freedoms. The latest sanctions underscore the US's ongoing focus on terrorism and its implications in Nigeria, particularly concerning Boko Haram's activities in the Lake Chad Basin.