The United States has intensified its efforts to disrupt global terrorist financing networks by imposing sanctions on a Nigerian businessman and three bureaux de change accused of facilitating financial transactions linked to ISIS activities.
The US Treasury Department announced sanctions against Lagos-based Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, alleging that he played a key role in moving funds that supported ISIS operations across multiple regions, including West Africa, Europe, the Middle East and Syria.
Also sanctioned are three Nigerian currency exchange firms — Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited and Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited — which US authorities claim were used to process and transfer funds connected to the extremist group.
The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, a US counter-terrorism measure designed to target individuals and organisations that provide support to terrorist entities.
According to the Treasury Department, the network allegedly facilitated financial transactions through bureaux de change operating in Lagos and Kano, helping channel resources to ISIS affiliates, including ISIS-West Africa Province (ISWAP).
US officials contend that the funds supported a range of activities, including recruitment efforts, operational planning and attacks carried out by the terrorist group and its affiliates.
The latest action forms part of Washington’s broader strategy to cut off financial lifelines that enable terrorist organisations to operate across international borders.
In announcing the sanctions, the US government reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to counter terrorism, protect vulnerable communities and combat threats posed by ISIS to global peace and security.
The sanctions are expected to freeze any assets under US jurisdiction linked to the designated individuals and entities, while also restricting their access to the international financial system.
American authorities say efforts to identify and dismantle terrorist financing networks will remain a key component of international counter-terrorism operations.
