The Federal Government of Nigeria has published a new sanctions list naming 48 individuals and 12 corporate entities allegedly involved in financing terrorism, in what officials describe as a major step toward dismantling financial networks that sustain extremist activities across the country.
The disclosure was made through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), a body operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The committee is responsible for implementing sanctions regimes in line with Nigeria’s legal framework and international obligations, particularly those mandated by the United Nations Security Council.
According to details released on the committee’s official platform, the list provides information on the identities, nationalities, and alleged roles of those named, as well as the extremist groups they are suspected to have supported financially or logistically.
Among the individuals listed are Abdulsamat Ohida, Mohammed Sani, Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, Fatima Ishaq, Tukur Mamu, Yusuf Ghazali, Muhammad Sani, Abubakar Muhammad, Sallamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkarim Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, and Surajo Mohammad.
Others identified include Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan, Hassan Mohammed, Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmadubuchi, John Onwumere, Chikwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie, and Ogumu Kewe.
The list also references several groups allegedly linked to extremist activities, including Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (ANSARU), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as well as entities identified as Yan Group and Yan Group NLBDG.
In addition to individuals, the sanctions list includes 12 companies and organisations believed to have played roles in facilitating financial flows tied to terrorism. These include West and East Africa General Trading Co. Ltd, Settings Bureau De Change Ltd, G. Side General Enterprises, Desert Exchange Ventures Limited, Eagle Square General Trading Co. Ltd, Alfa Exchange BDC, Alin Yar Yaya General Enterprises, K. Are Nigeria Limited, Suhailah Bashir General Enterprises, Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises, Seficuvi Global Company, and Lakurawa Sect.
Officials say the publication of the list is part of a broader national strategy aimed at disrupting the financial lifelines of terrorist groups operating within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. The sanctions framework typically involves asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial transactions for individuals and organisations designated under the regime.
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee plays a central coordinating role in this effort, working with agencies such as financial intelligence units, defence institutions, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure compliance with both domestic laws and international counterterrorism standards.
The current sanctions regime is anchored in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022, which provides the legal basis for identifying, designating, and penalising individuals and entities involved in terrorism financing. The law also aligns Nigeria’s counterterrorism financing measures with global frameworks established by the United Nations.
Security analysts note that the updated list comes at a time of renewed concern over the persistence of terrorist activities, particularly in the North-East region, where groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP continue to pose significant threats to stability.
Recent government data indicates that at least 386 terrorism suspects have been convicted in ongoing trials involving members and collaborators of these groups. These prosecutions form part of a broader judicial effort to hold perpetrators accountable and weaken operational networks.
However, concerns remain about the complexity and resilience of terrorism financing systems. Investigations conducted in recent years have uncovered extensive networks involving both local and international actors, with financial transactions spanning multiple jurisdictions and involving large sums of money.
In December 2025, a detailed investigative report revealed the existence of a network comprising 23 individuals—20 Nigerians and three foreign nationals—allegedly involved in financing and facilitating terrorist operations linked to Boko Haram. The report identified key figures such as Alhaji Saidu Ahmed, Usaini Adamu, Muhammad Sani Adam, Abubakar Adamu Yellow, Murtala Abdullahi Jega, Sadiq Garba Abubakar, Hussaini Adamu, Mustapha Ibrahim Yakubu, Ali Abdullahi Yusuf, Nasiru Shuaibu, Yusuf Ghazali, Mansur Muhammad Usman, Yazid Usman Muhammad, Alhaji Musa Emma, Modu Sulum, Adamu Aliyu Kanoma, Habibu Muhammad Usama, Nurudeen Gani Aliyu, and Ladan Ibrahim.
The investigation also named foreign nationals including Tribert Rujugiro Ayabatwa, Paul Nkwaya, and Aboubacar Hima, highlighting the transnational dimension of terrorism financing.
According to the findings, the network was characterised by complex financial flows, business relationships, and personal connections linking suspects to previously convicted financiers. Transactions reportedly ran into tens of billions of naira and were conducted through hundreds of bank accounts, with activities ranging from arms procurement to cross-border money transfers and sophisticated money laundering schemes.
Some of the individuals implicated in the investigation had reportedly been referenced in court judgments in the United Arab Emirates, further underscoring the international scope of the network.
Despite arrests made in 2021, questions have been raised about the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms, as several suspects were reportedly released under circumstances that observers have described as questionable.
The latest sanctions list is therefore seen as an attempt by the government to reinforce its commitment to tackling these gaps and strengthening oversight of financial systems that may be exploited for illicit purposes.
Experts argue that while the publication of such lists is a critical step, sustained enforcement, inter-agency collaboration, and international cooperation will be essential in ensuring that designated individuals and entities are effectively cut off from financial resources.
The government has reiterated its determination to continue updating the sanctions list as new intelligence emerges, while also enhancing regulatory frameworks to detect and prevent suspicious financial activities.
Ultimately, authorities say the success of these measures will depend not only on government action but also on the vigilance of financial institutions, businesses, and the general public in reporting suspicious transactions and adhering to compliance requirements.
As Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, the focus on disrupting financial networks is expected to remain a central pillar of its counterterrorism strategy, aimed at weakening the operational capacity of extremist groups and safeguarding national stability.
