U.S. sanctions Nigerian businesses, individuals linked to ISIS terrorism financing

Crime Diary, International

WASHINGTON, D.C. (NPA) — The United States has imposed sanctions on three individuals and six entities across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa for allegedly facilitating financial transactions linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).

The U.S. Department of State announced the measures on Tuesday, in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Thomas Pigott, saying the action forms part of ongoing efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to disrupt ISIS financing networks and weaken the group’s global operations.

According to the State Department, the sanctions target individuals and organisations accused of moving funds across borders to support ISIS activities, including attacks, recruitment and regional affiliate operations.

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Among those designated is France-based Miloud Abderrahmane, who allegedly provided information relating to the use of explosives to ISIS supporters.

Also sanctioned is Boukich Abdelhakim, a Syria-based operative accused of using cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in several countries, including the United States.

The third individual, Nigerian national Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, was identified as an alleged ISIS-West Africa facilitator whose money exchange businesses were reportedly used to channel funds linked to the terrorist group.

The U.S. Treasury Department also designated six entities accused of supporting ISIS financial activities.

The entities are:

• Alkaram Danismanlik Gayrimenkul Ic ve Dis Genel Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey)

• Spider Gayrimenkul ve Genel Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Turkey)

• Bitcoin Exchange Agent Idlib’s No. 1 Coin Exchange (Syria)

• Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited (Nigeria)

• Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited (Nigeria)

• Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited (Nigeria)

The U.S. government said the sanctions expose a network stretching from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria.

The State Department noted that ISIS has increasingly decentralised its operations and relies on financial intermediaries and money transfer networks to sustain its activities globally.

The U.S. also reaffirmed its security partnership with Nigeria, highlighting the joint operation conducted on May 16, 2026, which resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-highest-ranking ISIS official.

“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,” the department said.

The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorist organisations.

The U.S. designated ISIS, formerly known as Al-Qaeda in Iraq, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organisation in 2004 and continues to pursue measures aimed at disrupting its global financing and operational networks.