US Freezes Assets of Eight Nigerians Over Alleged Boko Haram, ISIL Links
The United States (US) Government has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerians over alleged ties to the extremist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), freezing their assets and property under its counter-terrorism framework.
Global Mirror News gathered that the action was detailed in a 3,000-page document dated February 10 and released by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The document, sighted on Monday February 16, forms part of the updated “Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.”
According to the report, the sanctioned individuals were accused of having links to terrorist activities, while others were listed for involvement in cybercrime-related offences and other security threats. The designation effectively blocks any assets or financial interests they may have within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in transactions with them.
The latest move follows recent recommendations by members of the U.S. Congress urging visa bans and asset freezes against individuals and organisations accused of religious freedom violations and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Among those previously recommended by U.S. lawmakers for visa restrictions and financial sanctions are former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, and Miyetti Allah Kautal.
The OFAC document serves as a comprehensive reference list of individuals and entities across different Nationalities whose properties and interests have been blocked as part of the United States’ broader counter-terrorism and National security measures.
The development underscores Washington’s sustained efforts to combat terrorism financing, violent extremism, and transnational cybercrime through financial sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
