The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NiGSAC), has released an updated list of 48 individuals and groups allegedly sponsoring terrorism in the country. This significant development was announced on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with the list published on NiGSAC's official website, nigsac.gov.ng. The release coincides with ongoing mass trials of terrorism suspects by the Federal Government, underscoring a heightened commitment to combating insurgency.

The updated list comprises 42 individuals and six armed groups operating across Nigeria. Prominent among the designated terror groups are Boko Haram (also known as Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad), its breakaway faction the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Other groups include Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru), and the rural terrorist groups colloquially known as yan taádda and yan bindiga. Many of the names featured on this updated list had previously been identified as terrorism financiers between 2020 and 2025, highlighting a persistent challenge for the nation.

Amidst these efforts, the Federal High Court in Abuja initiated a mass trial, arraigning 227 suspects before 10 judges. These suspects face charges primarily linked to aiding and abetting terrorism, particularly in the North-East. Security was notably tight during the court sessions, with suspects transported under extensive military, police, and intelligence supervision. Already, five of the accused have received varying jail terms, ranging from seven to 20 years, after admitting guilt to charges such as selling livestock, and supplying food and information to militant organizations.

A notable case from the trials is that of Babagana Habeeb, a former senatorial candidate in Borno and a fuel dealer. Habeeb was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for selling petrol to Boko Haram terrorists. He pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting terrorism, acknowledging that his filling station in Maiduguri supplied petroleum products to insurgents. Despite his appeal for leniency, citing over a decade in detention without family contact, the prosecution argued that his support significantly contributed to civilian deaths and displacement. Presiding Judge Peter Lifu, however, noted the lack of evidence proving Habeeb's direct membership in the terrorist group or his involvement in weapons training, confining the charge to fuel sales. The sentence, effective from his arrest date, included a recommendation for rehabilitation.

Several prominent individuals have also been named in the updated sanctions list. Tukur Mamu, the publisher of Desert Herald, who played a leading role in negotiating the release of hostages from the 2022 Abuja–Kaduna train attack, is listed and is currently being prosecuted for terrorism financing, though he maintains his innocence. Additionally, Simon Ekpa, leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), was designated for allegedly raising funds for violent activities in the South-east, where IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, operates. Mr. Ekpa has reportedly been convicted in Finland for these activities.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who chairs the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, affirmed the government’s resolve, stating, “The federal government is committed to ensuring that due process is followed while bringing those involved in terrorism to justice.” This action aligns with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which allows for the immediate identification and freezing of assets belonging to designated persons. This latest update follows previous designations, including a 2020 case where a UAE court convicted six Nigerians (Surajo Muhammad, Yusuf Adamu, Ibrahim Alhassan, AbdurRahman Musa, Bashir Yusuf, and Muhammad Isa) for funding Boko Haram, and a 2024 update that added 19 names, including Mr. Mamu, along with six business entities. Further additions in 2025 included IPOB, Lakurawa, and business entities such as Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises and Seficuvi Global Company, reinforcing the government's sustained efforts against terrorism financing.