The United States government has designated a Lagos-based Nigerian businessman and three of his money exchange companies as part of a global network accused of facilitating financial transactions for the Islamic State (ISIS).

In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, the U.S. announced sanctions against three individuals and six businesses operating across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa for allegedly helping ISIS move funds across international borders.

According to the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the sanctions target individuals and entities accused of supporting ISIS operations by facilitating the transfer of money used to fund attacks, sustain regional affiliates, and support extremist activities.

Among those named is Muhammad Mukhtar Adamu, a Nigerian national linked to ISIS-West Africa. U.S. authorities said Adamu, who was born in August 1990 and resides in the Agege area of Lagos State, allegedly used his network of bureau de change businesses to move funds on behalf of the terrorist group.

The three Nigerian firms linked to him and designated by the U.S. government are General Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Lagos; Manhattan Bureau De Change, Kano; and Nine To Nine Exchange Bureau De Change, located at the FAAN Complex along Airport Road in Lagos.

Also sanctioned were Syrian national Abdelhakim Boukich, also known as Babili Muhammad, who allegedly used cryptocurrency transactions to transfer funds for ISIS-linked networks, and French national Abderrahmane Miloud, also known as Ghazi Ibrahim, who was accused of providing information related to explosives to ISIS supporters.

The U.S. government said the action is aimed at disrupting a financial network stretching from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria, thereby cutting off resources used by ISIS to conduct attacks and expand its operations.

Washington also reaffirmed its security cooperation with Nigeria, noting that both countries collaborated in the May 16, 2026 operation that resulted in the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as the second-highest-ranking ISIS 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,” the U.S. State Department said.

The designated individuals and companies have now been listed as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT), subjecting them to sanctions and asset-freezing measures under U.S. law.