America Targets Nigerian, Businesses in ISIS Funding Crackdown

The United States government has taken action against a Nigerian citizen and three companies operating within the nation, identifying them as alleged financial enablers for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group. This move is part of a broader international effort that saw a total of three individuals and six entities sanctioned for their alleged roles in facilitating the global movement of funds for ISIS operations.

In a statement released on Monday and observed on Tuesday, U.S. Department of State spokesperson Thomas Pigott confirmed that these designations span across France, Syria, Türkiye, and Nigeria. The Nigerian individual named in the statement is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, also known as ADAMU, Mukhtar, or MUKHTAR, Muhammad. His details include an address at No. 45 Abimbola Street, off Capital Road, Morcas Agege, Lagos State, Nigeria. Muhammad, born on August 2, 1990, holding passport numbers A11904741 and A07422697, has been linked to ISIS West Africa.

Among the businesses implicated, Generation Currency Bureau de Change Limited (RC 1555604) was specifically mentioned for its alleged connection to Mukhtar Adamu and the ISIS network. Two other firms, Manhattan Bureau de Change Limited (RC 1763824), located at No. 59 Murtala Mohammed Way, Wapa, Kano, and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau de Change Limited (RC 1462752) in Ikeja, Lagos State, were also identified for their alleged ties to Mukhtar Adamu and the ISIS network.

Mr. Pigott characterized this network as crucial for ISIS's ability to transfer money across international borders. He stated, “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. Among those designated is a France-based facilitator who provided information concerning the use of explosives to ISIS supporters, a Syria-based operator who used cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in multiple countries, including the United States, and a Nigeria-based facilitator whose money exchange businesses served as conduits for ISIS financing.”

Monday's update from the US further detailed the identities of the three individuals and six companies placed on the blacklist. Notably, three of the six designated companies are Nigerian, with two based in Lagos State and one in Kano.

The U.S. also reiterated its "strong partnership with Nigeria," highlighting Nigeria's participation in a significant operation on May 16, 2026, which led to the demise of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS's second-in-command. Pigott affirmed the United States' ongoing commitment to employing all diplomatic and legal instruments against ISIS and its global supporters. He said, “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.”

This action was implemented under Executive Order 13224, as amended. ISIS, previously known as al-Qa’ida in Iraq, received its designation as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization in 2004.