US sanctions Nigerian, others over alleged ISIS financing

The United States has named a Nigerian and two other individuals, along with several businesses, over their alleged involvement in financing the Islamic State (ISIS), as part of efforts to disrupt the group’s global financial network.

 

The designations, announced on Monday, target three individuals and six businesses accused of helping ISIS move funds across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa.

 

According to the US government, the sanctions are aimed at cutting off financial channels used by the terrorist group to fund attacks, support regional affiliates and threaten civilians.

 

Among those sanctioned is Muhammad Mukhtar Adamu, a Nigerian allegedly linked to ISIS-West Africa. US authorities said Adamu, who reportedly resides in Agege, Lagos, used money exchange businesses to facilitate ISIS financing.

 

The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also designated Abdelhakim Boukich, a Syrian, and Abderrahmane Miloud, a French national, for their alleged roles in supporting ISIS operations.

 

Three Nigerian-based bureau de change firms linked to Adamu were also sanctioned. They are:

 

General Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Lagos

 

Manhattan Bureau De Change, Kano

 

Nine To Nine Exchange Bureau De Change, Lagos

 

 

The US State Department reaffirmed its security partnership with Nigeria, noting that both countries collaborated in the May 16, 2026 operation that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as the second-in-command of ISIS.

 

The US said it would continue using diplomatic and legal measures to target ISIS members and their financial supporters worldwide.