US sanctions Nigerian national and companies over alleged ISIS funding network spanning Nigeria, France, Syria, and Türkiye under Executive Order 13224.
The United States government has imposed sanctions on a Nigerian national and three Nigeria-based companies, accusing them of being part of an international financial network allegedly linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The action is part of a wider enforcement move that targeted three individuals and six organisations accused of helping to move and disguise funds used to support ISIS operations across multiple regions, including West Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the latest designations were carried out under Executive Order 13224, a legal framework used to block assets and restrict transactions involving suspected terrorist financiers and supporters.
Cross-border financing network exposed
In a statement issued by State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott, the U.S. said the sanctioned network operates across France, Syria, Türkiye, and Nigeria, and is believed to play a role in moving funds for ISIS-linked activities globally.
Officials described the system as a coordinated financial pipeline used to transfer money across borders through various methods, including digital currencies and currency exchange businesses.
The statement alleged that the network includes individuals and companies operating in multiple jurisdictions who help facilitate financial flows for ISIS-linked actors.
Allegations against individuals
Among those sanctioned is a Nigerian national identified as Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, based in Lagos State.
U.S. authorities allege that he operated currency exchange businesses that were used as channels for moving funds connected to ISIS-related networks in West Africa.
Also listed are two other individuals: one based in France and another in Syria. The French-based suspect is accused of sharing information related to explosives with ISIS-linked individuals, while the Syria-based operative is alleged to have used cryptocurrency platforms to transfer funds across several countries, including the United States.
Nigerian companies among six entities listed
In addition to individuals, six companies were designated in the sanctions list. Three of those firms are based in Nigeria, with operations reportedly located in Lagos and Kano States.
U.S. authorities claim these companies were used as financial conduits within the alleged ISIS-linked network, particularly through bureau de change and money transfer services.
Other entities named in the action are based in Türkiye and Syria and are also accused of facilitating financial transactions associated with ISIS operations.
The designated organisations include money exchange firms and digital currency platforms operating in Türkiye’s Istanbul region, Syria’s Idlib area, and several Nigerian cities.
The U.S. said the network demonstrates how extremist financing structures have evolved to rely on both traditional financial institutions and emerging digital payment systems to bypass international monitoring systems.
US-Nigeria counterterrorism cooperation
Despite the sanctions, U.S. officials reaffirmed ongoing security cooperation with Nigeria, particularly in counterterrorism operations.
Washington referenced a joint operation carried out on May 16, 2026, which reportedly resulted in the elimination of a senior ISIS figure identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the group’s second-in-command.
The U.S. government said such cooperation remains critical in efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating across West Africa and beyond.
US vows continued crackdown
Spokesperson Thomas Pigott stressed that the United States will continue to use diplomatic, financial, and legal measures to disrupt terrorism financing networks worldwide.
He added that the U.S. remains committed to protecting civilians, safeguarding religious minorities, and working with international allies to reduce the global threat posed by ISIS.
“We will continue to use every diplomatic and legal tool available to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable, wherever they operate,” Pigott said.
Background on ISIS designation
ISIS, formerly known as al-Qa’ida in Iraq, has been classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organisation since 2004.
This designation allows the U.S. government to freeze assets and restrict financial dealings involving individuals or entities linked to the group.
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