The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NIGSAC), has released an updated sanctions list naming 48 individuals and organisations allegedly involved in terrorism financing across the country.
At the top of the list are detained newspaper publisher Tukur Mamu, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Jama’atu Wal-Jihad, Ansarul Sudan (Ansaru), and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Authorities said the groups, particularly Ansaru and ISWAP, have been largely responsible for the protracted insurgency in northern Nigeria.
Tukur Mamu was accused of participating in terrorism financing by receiving and delivering ransom payments exceeding $200,000 to ISWAP fighters for the release of victims of the Abuja-Kaduna train attack.
Also listed is Abdulsamat Ohida, identified as a senior ISWAP commander based in Okene, Kogi State. He was linked to the June 5, 2022, attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, and the July 5, 2022, assault on the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
Mohammed Sani, described as a member of Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladissudam (Ansaru), was also named. According to authorities, he was trained under Muktar Belmokhtar, also known as “One Eyed,” and specialised in designing clandestine communication codes and improvised explosive devices. He reportedly served as a courier and travel guide for AQIM operatives in Algeria and Mali and escaped during the July 2022 Kuje prison break.
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Abdurrahman Abdurrahman, another senior ISWAP commander in Okene, was also listed. The government said the group emerged in 2012 as the North-Central wing of Boko Haram and later re-aligned with ISWAP following the death of its leader in 2016. It has since been linked to attacks around the Federal Capital Territory and the South-West, including the Owo church attack.
Fatima Ishaq was identified as a financial courier to ISWAP Okene, allegedly responsible for disbursing funds to widows and families of fighters.
Yusuf Ghazali was accused of transferring N20 million in 2015 to Surajo Abubakar Muhammad and N40 million to Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, both identified as convicts. Authorities further alleged that Abubakar Adamu, also known as “Yellow,” received N189 million from Ghazali between 2016 and 2018 and maintained financial links with the group’s leader, Alhaji Saidu Ahmed.
Ghazali was also said to own entities referenced in a United Arab Emirates court judgment as facilitating the transfer of terrorist funds from Dubai to Nigeria.
Usama Muhammad was listed as a key contact in Zamfara State, allegedly receiving N57 million from Yawale Muhammad between 2014 and 2017, while maintaining transactions with Surajo Abubakar Muhammad and Saidu Ahmed.
Other individuals on the sanctions list include Abubakar Muhammad, Allamudeen Hassan, Adamu Ishak, Hassana Isah, Abdulkareem Musa, Umar Abdullahi, Abdurrahman Ado, Bashir Yusuf, Ibrahim Alhassan, Muhammad Isah, Salihu Adamu, Surajo Mohammad, Fannami Bukar, Muhammed Musa, Sahabi Ismail, Mohammed Buba, Adamu Hassan and Hassan Mohammed.
Also listed are Usman Abubakar, Kubara Salawu, Rabiu Suleiman, Simon Njoku, Godstime Iyare, Francis Mmaduabuchi, John Onwumere, Chukwuka Eze, Edwin Chukwuedo, Chiwendu Owoh, Ginika Orji, Awo Uchechukwu, Mercy Ali, Ohagwu Juliana, Eze Okpoto, Nwaobi Chimezie and Ogumu Kewe.
The updated sanctions list is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to identify, track and disrupt financial networks supporting terrorism, as well as strengthen national security across the country.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
