The United States has named a Nigerian and three companies operating in Nigeria as part of an alleged financial network linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The move was announced by the US Department of State as part of a wider action against three individuals and six entities accused of helping ISIS move money across different countries.
US Department of State spokesperson, Thomas Pigott, said:
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“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 listed is Nigerian national, Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, who the US said is linked to ISIS-West Africa.
The US also named three companies operating in Nigeria. They are Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos, Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited in Kano, and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos.
Other individuals and entities listed in the action include Abdelhakim Boukich from Syria, Abderrahmane Miloud from France, as well as companies based in Türkiye and Syria.
Pigott said the US would continue to go after ISIS and those supporting the group.
“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 sanctions were made under Executive Order 13224, as amended.
ISIS has been listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organisation by the United States since 2004.
