The United States government has identified a Nigerian national and three Nigeria-based companies among individuals and entities accused of facilitating financial transactions for the terrorist group ISIS, according to a new sanctions announcement by the U.S. Department of State.
In a statement released by State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott, U.S. authorities announced sanctions against three individuals and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa for allegedly supporting ISIS through financial networks that move funds across international borders.
Among those designated is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, a Nigerian citizen based in Lagos State, who was identified by U.S. authorities as a facilitator linked to ISIS-West Africa. The U.S. also listed three Nigerian money exchange companies allegedly connected to Muhammad and the terrorist financing network.
The firms named 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 located in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the U.S. government, the network enabled ISIS to transfer funds through multiple jurisdictions, supporting the group’s operations and activities.
Explaining the latest sanctions, Pigott said the action exposed a far-reaching financial structure supporting ISIS operations.
“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 stated.
The U.S. official further revealed that the designated individuals played different roles in supporting the terrorist organization.
“Among those designated is a France-based facilitator who provided information concerning the use of explosives to ISIS supporters, a Syria-based operator who used cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in multiple countries, including the United States, and a Nigeria-based facilitator whose money exchange businesses served as conduits for ISIS financing,” Pigott added.
The sanctions list also includes Miloud Abderrahmane, a French national, and Abdelhakim Boukich, a Netherlands-born operative based in Syria, both of whom were accused of supporting ISIS-related activities.
In addition to the three Nigerian firms, the U.S. designated three other companies located in Türkiye and Syria, alleging that they were involved in facilitating financial transactions for the terrorist group.
The latest measures were imposed under Executive Order 13224, a U.S. counterterrorism sanctions framework targeting individuals and organizations accused of supporting terrorism.
The U.S. government also reiterated its commitment to working with international partners, including Nigeria, to combat terrorism and disrupt extremist financing networks.
Pigott praised ongoing cooperation between Washington and Abuja, noting that Nigeria partnered with the United States in a May 16, 2026 operation that reportedly led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as a senior ISIS leader.
Reaffirming Washington’s position, Pigott said:
“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 added:
“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.”
The sanctions designation means that any assets belonging to the listed individuals and entities that fall within U.S. jurisdiction may be blocked, while American persons and businesses are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.
