US Blacklists Nigerian, 3 Firms Over Alleged ISIS Funding
By Victor Idajili
The United States has sanctioned a Nigerian man and three companies in Nigeria for allegedly helping the Islamic State, ISIS, move money across borders.
In a statement released Monday, US State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the action targeted 3 individuals and 6 entities in France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria. The group was accused of financing ISIS operations worldwide.
The Nigerian designated is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, also known as ADAMU, Mukhtar or MUKHTAR, Muhammad. DOB: August 2, 1990. Address: No. 45 Abimbola Street, off Capital Road, Morcas Agege, Lagos State. Passport Nos: A11904741, A07422697. He was listed as an ISIS West Africa-linked facilitator.
Three of the six firms sanctioned are Nigerian:
Generation Currency Bureau de Change Limited – RC 1555604, linked to Mukhtar Adamu and the ISIS network.
Manhattan Bureau de Change Limited – No. 59 Murtala Mohammed Way, Wapa, Kano, RC 1763824, also linked to him and ISIS.
Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau de Change Limited – Ikeja, Lagos, RC 1462752, listed as another conduit.
The other firms and individuals are based in France, Syria and Türkiye. Pigott said one France-based facilitator shared info on explosives with ISIS supporters, while a Syria-based operator used cryptocurrency to send funds for ISIS associates in several countries, including the US.
“A network across borders”
“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,” Pigott said.
He added that the Nigeria-based facilitator used his money exchange businesses as channels for ISIS financing.
The US said it maintains a “strong partnership with Nigeria,” which joined it in a May 16, 2026 operation that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, described as ISIS’s number two 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,” Pigott stated.
He reaffirmed US commitment to protecting American lives, defending religious minorities, and working with global partners to eliminate ISIS.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended. ISIS, formerly al-Qa’ida in Iraq, was designated a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization by the US in 2004.
