In a sweeping move to reinforce national security and align with global counterterrorism efforts, the Federal Government of Nigeria has released an updated list of 48 individuals and groups designated as terrorism financiers in 2026.
The updated sanctions list, published through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NigSac), underscores Nigeria’s intensified crackdown on financial networks believed to be supporting extremist activities within and beyond its borders. The move is part of the country’s broader commitment to international obligations under the United Nations framework on combating terrorism financing.
Among those listed are:
1. ABDULSAMAT OHIDA – Nigeria – Record Date: March 18, 2024
2. MOHAMMED SANI – Record Date: March 18, 2024
3. ABDURRAHAMAN ABDURRAHAMAN – Record Date: March 18, 2024
4. FATIMA ISHAQ – Record Date: March 18, 2024
5. TUKUR MAMU – Record Date: March 18, 2024
6. YUSUF GHAZALI – Record Date: March 18, 2024
7. MUHAMMAD SANI – Record Date: March 18, 2024
8. ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD – Record Date: March 18, 2024
9. SALLAMUDEEN HASSAN – Nigeria – Record Date: March 18, 2024
10. ADAMU ISHAK – Nigeria – Record Date: March 18, 2024
11. HASSANA ISAH – Nigeria – Record Date: March 18, 2024
12. ABDULKAREEM MUSA – Nigeria – Record Date: March 18, 2024
13. UMAR ABDULLAHI – Nigeria – Record Date: March 18, 2024
14. ABDURRAHAMAN ADO – Record Date: March 21, 2024
15. BASHIR YUSUF – Record Date: March 21, 2024
16. IBRAHIM ALHASSAN – Record Date: March 21, 2024
17. MUHAMMAD ISAH – Record Date: March 21, 2024
18. SALIHU ADAMU – Record Date: March 21, 2024
19. SURAJO MOHAMMAD – Record Date: March 21, 2024
20. FANNAMI BUKAR – Record Date: March 21, 2024
21. MUHAMMED MUSA – Record Date: March 21, 2024
22. Sahabi Ismail – Record Date: March 22, 2024
23. Mohammed Buba – Record Date: March 22, 2024
24. JAMA’ATU WAL-JIHAD – Record Date: March 22, 2024
25. ANSARUL SUDAN (ANSARU) – Record Date: March 22, 2024
26. ISLAMIC PROVINCE (ISWAP) – Record Date: March 22, 2024
27. INDIGENOUS BIAFRA (IPOB) – Record Date: March 22, 2024
28. YAN GROUP – Record Date: March 22, 2024
29. YAN GROUP NLBDG – Record Date: March 22, 2024
30. ADAMU HASSAN – Record Date: November 14, 2024
31. HASSAN MOHAMMED – Record Date: November 14, 2024
32. USMAN ABUBAKAR – Record Date: November 14, 2024
33. KUBARA SALAWU – Record Date: November 14, 2024
34. RABIU SULEIMAN – Record Date: November 14, 2024
35. SIMON NJOKU – Record Date: March 7, 2025
36. GODSTIME IYARE – Record Date: March 7, 2025
37. FRANCIS MMADUABUCHI – Record Date: March 7, 2025 JOHN
38. ONWUMERE – Record Date: March 7, 2025
39. CHIKWUKA EZE – Record Date: March 7, 2025
40. EDWIN CHUKWUEDO – Record Date: March 18, 2025
41. CHIWENDU OWOH – Record Date: January 1, 0001
42. GINIKA ORJI – Record Date: January 1, 0001
43. AWO UCHECHUKWU – Record Date: January 1, 0001
44. MERCY ALI – Record Date: January 1, 0001
45. OHAGWU JULIANA – Record Date: January 1, 0001
46. EZE OKPOTO – Record Date: March 19, 2025
47. NWAOBI CHIMEZIE – Record Date: March 19, 2025
48. OGUMU KEWE – Record Date: March 19, 2025
Security analysts say the inclusion of both individuals and groups reflects a multi-layered approach aimed at dismantling the financial lifelines of terrorism. By targeting financiers, authorities hope to weaken operational capabilities of extremist networks that have plagued parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-East and other volatile regions.
The designation carries significant consequences. Individuals and entities on the list are subject to asset freezes, financial transaction restrictions, and increased surveillance. Financial institutions across the country are mandated to identify and block any accounts linked to those named, while law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify monitoring and enforcement actions.
The sanctions framework is backed by the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which established the Nigeria Sanctions Committee as the central authority for implementing targeted financial sanctions in line with global standards. Under Section 10 of the Act, the committee is empowered to enforce resolutions such as UNSCR 1373 (2001), a key international legal instrument designed to combat terrorism financing.
Government officials emphasized that Nigeria’s actions are part of its obligations as a responsible member of the international community. “This is not just a domestic effort; it is a global responsibility,” a senior official noted, adding that the country remains committed to disrupting terror networks through financial intelligence and legal enforcement.
However, the publication of the list has also sparked conversations around due process, transparency, and the need for clear mechanisms for redress. Legal experts argue that while national security is paramount, individuals listed must have access to fair hearing and legal recourse to challenge their designation if necessary.
In a related development, reports indicate that the United States Department of Homeland Security has adjusted its deportation list involving Nigerian nationals, reducing the number from 130 to 110 individuals convicted of serious crimes. While not directly linked to the sanctions list, the development highlights growing international scrutiny on criminal networks involving Nigerians abroad.
As the Federal Government tightens its grip on terrorism financing, the message is clear: financial complicity in terrorism will not be tolerated. The updated sanctions list represents not just a policy directive, but a decisive statement in Nigeria’s ongoing battle to secure its territory, protect its citizens, and uphold its commitments to global peace and security.
With enforcement expected to intensify in the coming months, attention will now turn to how effectively agencies implement these measures—and whether the crackdown will yield tangible results in the fight against terrorism.
