American authorities have announced sanctions against a Nigerian citizen and three companies based in Nigeria over allegations of involvement in financial activities connected to the Islamic State (ISIS), an extremist organisation designated internationally as a terrorist group.
The action forms part of a broader U.S. effort aimed at dismantling financial networks allegedly supporting ISIS operations worldwide. In total, the latest sanctions covered three individuals and six corporate entities accused of helping move funds across borders for the organisation’s activities.
Details of the action were released in an official statement issued by the U.S. Department of State and communicated by spokesperson Thomas Pigott. According to the announcement, those affected by the sanctions operate across several countries, including France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria.
Among those identified was Nigerian citizen Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, whom U.S. authorities linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Officials alleged that he participated in financial activities associated with the group’s operations.
The statement further named three Nigeria-based companies reportedly connected to the alleged network. The firms listed were Generation Currency Bureau de Change Limited, Manhattan Bureau de Change Limited and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau de Change Limited.
American authorities claimed the businesses functioned as financial channels used to process or move resources linked to ISIS-related transactions.
Pigott explained that the latest sanctions were designed to expose and interrupt international systems allegedly used by extremist organisations to transfer money between different regions.
According to the U.S., the identified network stretched across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa and involved individuals and businesses accused of supporting cross-border financial movement.
The statement also highlighted other people affected by the sanctions outside Nigeria. One was described as an individual operating from France who allegedly supplied information relating to explosive materials to ISIS supporters. Another person based in Syria was accused of using cryptocurrency platforms to move funds for people connected to the group in several countries, including the United States.
With regard to Nigeria, U.S. officials alleged that financial exchange operators played an important role in facilitating transactions connected to the extremist network.
A follow-up release later published by American authorities disclosed the identities of all sanctioned persons and companies involved in the operation.
Among the six companies named globally, three were reported to be registered and operating within Nigeria, including businesses located in Lagos and Kano states.
The United States also referenced ongoing counterterrorism cooperation with Nigeria and acknowledged the country’s participation in a military operation conducted on May 16, 2026.
According to U.S. officials, the operation led to the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as one of the highest-ranking figures within ISIS.
Pigott stated that the U.S. government would continue employing legal actions, diplomatic engagement and international partnerships to pursue individuals and organisations accused of assisting terrorist groups.
He added that Washington remains committed to protecting its citizens, supporting vulnerable communities and working with allied nations to reduce global security threats.
The sanctions were implemented under Executive Order 13224, a U.S. framework used to target individuals and organisations accused of supporting terrorism.
ISIS, formerly identified as al-Qa’ida in Iraq, has remained under U.S. terrorist designation since 2004.
