The United States government has designated a Nigerian citizen and three Nigeria-based companies in a major action targeting alleged financial networks linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The move forms part of a broader international crackdown on individuals and businesses accused of helping terrorist groups transfer funds across multiple regions. According to the US Department of State, the latest sanctions target a network operating across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa. Officials said the action is intended to disrupt financial channels allegedly used to support ISIS activities and limit the group’s ability to move money internationally.
Among those named under the sanctions is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, a Nigerian national alleged to have links to ISIS-West Africa.
The US authorities included him in a list of three individuals designated under terrorism-related sanctions. The other individuals named are Abdelhakim Boukich, linked to operations in Syria, and Miloud Abderrahmane, a French national accused of facilitating financial transactions connected to ISIS.
According to US officials, the sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, which provides legal authority for actions against individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing.
As part of the US terrorism financing sanctions, three Nigerian companies were also designated. The firms are:
- Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Lagos
- Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited, Kano
- Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited, Lagos
US authorities alleged that the companies were connected to financial activities associated with Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad and wider ISIS-linked networks. Three additional entities based in Türkiye and Syria were also included in the sanctions announcement.
US Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the targeted individuals and companies allegedly enabled ISIS to move funds across international borders.
According to him, the sanctions expose a financial network stretching from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria. He stated that the United States would continue using diplomatic and legal measures to pursue ISIS supporters and disrupt financial systems that aid terrorist operations worldwide.
The US government reiterated that ISIS remains a designated global terrorist organisation and pledged continued cooperation with international partners to combat terrorism financing.
Officials said the US terrorism financing sanctions are part of ongoing efforts to protect global security, safeguard vulnerable communities, and weaken the operational capabilities of extremist groups. The latest action places renewed attention on financial networks operating across multiple jurisdictions and highlights increasing international scrutiny of transactions suspected of supporting terrorist organisations.
The US terrorism financing sanctions also underscore the growing focus on tracking cross-border money movements and strengthening enforcement measures against individuals and businesses accused of facilitating terrorism-related activities.
