By Muhammad Mamman
The United States has frozen the assets and properties of eight Nigerians over alleged links to extremist organisations, marking a fresh escalation in Washington’s campaign against terror financing.
In a statement released at the weekend, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) confirmed that the individuals were added to its sanctions list for suspected connections to the Islamist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
The action forms part of a sweeping sanctions update contained in a document running into more than 3,000 pages, which also names several other individuals worldwide accused of involvement in cybercrime and broader security threats.
Under the measures, all assets and property interests linked to the designated Nigerians that fall under US jurisdiction are blocked, while American citizens and businesses are prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. OFAC said the sanctions are intended to disrupt financial networks that enable terrorism and undermine regional stability.
US officials stressed that the move reflects a wider effort to cut off funding streams for violent groups operating in West Africa and beyond, warning that anyone found providing material support to sanctioned persons could face severe penalties.
Although Nigerian authorities are yet to issue an official response, security analysts say the development highlights growing international scrutiny of terror financing channels linked to the country’s long-running insurgency.
Washington reiterated its commitment to working with partners across Africa to combat terrorism, cybercrime and organised financial networks, adding that further designations could follow as investigations continue.
