Global Anti-Terror Operation: US Targets Nigerian ISIS Financier, BDC Firms Over Alleged Funding Network

The United States has sanctioned a Lagos-based businessman, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, and three bureaux de change companies allegedly involved in moving money for ISIS, as part of a broad international effort to dismantle the group’s financial infrastructure.

The action, announced under Executive Order 13224, focuses on an ISIS-linked network spanning Nigeria, France, Türkiye and Syria that US authorities say facilitated terrorist financing, supported ISIS affiliates and contributed to threats against civilians and religious minorities.

Muhammad, 35, who is also known as Adamu Mukhtar and Muhammad Mukhtar, was identified as an ISIS-West Africa facilitator and listed with an address in Agege, Lagos.

According to the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, he allegedly used bureaux de change businesses in Lagos and Kano to channel funds for the terrorist organisation.

The affected companies are Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited and Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited.

The US said the wider network involved operatives in France and Syria, including a facilitator accused of sharing explosives expertise with ISIS supporters and another who allegedly employed cryptocurrency platforms to transfer funds to ISIS-linked individuals in several countries.

Announcing the sanctions, State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott stated:

“Under the leadership of President Trump, the United States is dismantling ISIS’s ability to finance terrorism around the world.

“We are cutting off the financial lifelines that enable ISIS to fund attacks, support its regional affiliates, and threaten civilians, including religious minorities.”

He added:

“These actions reflect the United States’ unrelenting pressure on ISIS, which continues to decentralise its operations and rely on financial intermediaries to connect its global network.”

The latest sanctions increase to 10 the number of Nigerians targeted by the United States over terrorism financing allegations since 2022.

Washington also highlighted Nigeria’s contribution to global counterterrorism efforts, particularly its involvement in the May 2026 operation that killed ISIS deputy leader Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

The US pledged to continue pursuing ISIS financiers and supporters globally.

“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.”

Under the sanctions, all designated individuals and entities have been added to OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals list, resulting in asset freezes within US jurisdiction and restrictions on transactions involving US persons.

Broader Campaign Against Terror Financing

The United States has consistently used sanctions to target financial networks linked to Boko Haram, ISIS and ISIS-West Africa, describing such measures as a critical tool in disrupting terrorist operations.

Since 2014, Washington has intensified efforts to dismantle ISIS funding streams by targeting oil smuggling, extortion schemes, ransom payments, money exchange businesses and cryptocurrency channels used to move funds internationally.

US officials say these actions form part of a broader strategy to isolate terrorist organisations financially and prevent them from sustaining attacks or expanding their operations through regional affiliates.

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