US Designates Nigerian, Others as ISIS Financiers

The United States government has designated a Nigerian national and several individuals and organisations across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa as terrorism financiers for allegedly supporting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The designation was announced in a statement issued by Thomas Pigott, spokesperson for the US Department of State, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt global financial networks linked to terrorist activities.

According to the statement, the sanctions target three individuals and six entities accused of facilitating the movement of funds used to support ISIS operations in different parts of the world.

The US government said the network operates across multiple countries, including France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria, and has allegedly played a significant role in enabling cross-border financial transfers for the terrorist group.

Pigott stated that the action reflects the commitment of the US government to dismantle the financial infrastructure that sustains ISIS and its affiliates.

“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 said.

Among those designated is a France-based facilitator accused of providing information on the use of explosives to ISIS supporters and sympathisers.

The statement also identified a Syria-based operator who allegedly used cryptocurrency platforms to transfer funds to ISIS associates operating in several countries, including the United States.

In addition, a Nigerian-based money exchanger was named in the designation. US authorities alleged that businesses linked to the individual served as channels through which funds were transferred on behalf of ISIS.

The Department of State said the sanctions are intended to isolate the individuals and entities from the international financial system and prevent them from conducting transactions that could benefit terrorist organisations.

The US government noted that disrupting financial networks remains a critical component of global counterterrorism efforts, as terrorist groups increasingly rely on sophisticated methods, including digital currencies and informal financial systems, to fund their operations.

Officials said the latest designations form part of broader international efforts aimed at weakening ISIS, preventing future attacks and restricting the group’s ability to recruit, organise and operate across different regions of the world.