The United States government has unveiled a list of Nigerians accused of financing terrorist groups, including Ansaru and Boko Haram, as part of fresh counterterrorism measures targeting extremist networks in West Africa.
In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the individuals were designated under America’s counterterrorism sanctions regime, effectively freezing any assets or properties linked to them within U.S. jurisdiction.
According to the Treasury, “all property and interests in property” of those named that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
The release of the list is aimed at exposing and dismantling financial networks believed to be sustaining insurgent activities in Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin region. U.S. authorities said the action targets individuals accused of providing “material, logistical, or financial support” to designated terrorist organisations.
Under the sanctions framework, entities owned 50 percent or more, directly or indirectly, by the designated individuals are also blocked. U.S. persons are prohibited from conducting transactions with them, while foreign financial institutions risk secondary sanctions for facilitating significant dealings.
The U.S. government stressed that the move forms part of a broader strategy to cut off funding channels that enable terrorism, disrupt operational capabilities, and enhance international cooperation in combating violent extremism.
The designations remain subject to review and possible updates as investigations continue.
