Officials say the sanctioned individuals and firms helped move ISIS funds across borders, enabling the group’s global network.
By Suleman Ayuba
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The United States has sanctioned three Nigerian nationals and several businesses linked to them for allegedly financing ISIS, freezing their assets and designating them as global sponsors of terrorism, according to a statement released Monday by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
According to OFAC, one of the key figures named is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, a Nigerian national accused of conducting financial transactions and money transfers on behalf of ISIS-West Africa (ISWAP), an affiliate of ISIS operating in the Lake Chad.
The sanctions also target three Nigerian Bureau de Change companies allegedly linked to Muhammad. They are Faisal Exchange Limited, registered in Kano, Kano State, Northwest Nigeria; Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited, also based in Kano; and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited, located in Lagos, Nigeria commercial capital in Southwest Nigeria.
The statement revealed that the companies were designated under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorist organizations.
In addition, OFAC sanctioned a Turkey-based financial services company, Spider Gayrimenkul ve Genel Ticaret Limited Sirketi, alleging that it was linked to ISIS financial operations.
The U.S. Treasury said the sanctions are part of a broader effort to disrupt ISIS financing networks across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa.
“The measures freeze any assets under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit Americans from conducting business with the designated individuals and entities,” the statement added.
This was sequel to an earlier statement issued on the X handle of Tommy Piggot, Spokesman of US Department of State, Monday, where he affirmed the resolution of Donald Trump’s administration to stamp out global terrorism.
“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,” Piggot said.
“These actions reflect the United States’ unrelenting pressure on ISIS, which continues to decentralize its operations and rely on financial intermediaries to connect its global network,” he added.
“The United States also reaffirms its strong partnership with Nigeria, which joined the United States in the May 16, 2026, operation that resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, the number two official in ISIS.
“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. 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 State Department added in conclusion.
Suleman Ayuba writes for TruthNigeria from Maiduguri.
