The United States has sanctioned a Nigerian national and three Nigeria-based companies over alleged links to financing activities connected to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The move forms part of a wider crackdown targeting three individuals and six entities accused of facilitating the transfer of funds for ISIS operations across several regions of the world.
In a statement issued yesterday but sighted today (Tuesday) US Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the designations covered networks operating in France, Syria, Türkiye, and Nigeria, describing them as part of a global financial system used to move money for ISIS activities across borders.
According to the statement, one of the key figures sanctioned is a Nigeria-based facilitator whose money exchange businesses allegedly served as channels for ISIS financing.
The Nigerian identified by US authorities is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, also known as Mukhtar Adamu or Muhammad Mukhtar, based in Lagos State.
Three Nigerian companies were also added to the US Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list. They are Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos, Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited in Kano, and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited in Ikeja, Lagos.
The US also designated two Turkish firms and a Syria-based cryptocurrency exchange operator allegedly linked to ISIS financing operations.
Pigott said the United States would continue to deploy diplomatic and legal measures against ISIS and its supporters globally.
“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,” he said.
The US reaffirmed its security partnership with Nigeria, referencing the joint operation carried out on May 16, 2026, which led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command within ISIS.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended, targeting individuals and organisations linked to terrorism financing.
ISIS, formerly known as al-Qa’ida in Iraq, has been designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation by the United States since 2004.
