The United States government has designated a Nigerian national and three companies operating in Nigeria for allegedly facilitating financial transactions linked to the terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The action forms part of a broader sanctions package targeting three individuals and six entities accused of supporting ISIS operations and moving funds across multiple countries.
In a statement issued by U.S. Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott, the designations covered individuals and organisations operating in France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria.
The Nigerian national named in the sanctions is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, who the U.S. authorities alleged is linked to ISIS West Africa.
Also designated were three Nigerian companies allegedly connected to the network:
- Generation Currency Bureau de Change Limited
- Manhattan Bureau de Change Limited
- Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau de Change Limited
According to the U.S. government, the companies were allegedly used as channels for moving funds connected to ISIS activities.
Pigott said the sanctions targeted a global network that enabled the terrorist group to transfer money across international borders.
“Today’s designations target three individuals and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa who have enabled ISIS to move money across borders, exposing a network that spans from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria,” he said.
The statement further alleged that the Nigerian-based facilitator used money exchange businesses as conduits for ISIS financing.
The United States also reaffirmed its security partnership with Nigeria, noting that both countries collaborated in a military operation on May 16, 2026, that reportedly led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s second-in-command.
Pigott stated that Washington would continue to deploy diplomatic and legal measures against ISIS and its supporters worldwide.
“We will continue to use every diplomatic and legal tool available to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable — wherever they operate, and however they move money.
“We remain fully committed to protecting American lives, defending religious minorities and working with international partners to eliminate the threat that ISIS poses to global peace and security,” he said.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended, which authorises measures against individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing.
The U.S. government noted that ISIS, formerly known as al-Qa’ida in Iraq, was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation in 2004.