The United States has designated a Nigerian, two other individuals and six entities for allegedly financing ISIS, accusing them of operating a transnational network that moved funds across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa to support the terrorist group’s activities.isis
The United States Department of State has designated a Nigerian national, two other individuals and six entities for allegedly financing the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), in a move aimed at disrupting the terrorist group’s global financial networks.
According to the US government, the sanctioned individuals and organisations operated across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa, facilitating the movement of funds used to support ISIS activities and sustain its international operations.
The announcement was made in a statement issued in Washington, D.C., by the spokesperson for the US Department of State, Thomas Pigott.
Pigott said the action demonstrates the administration’s commitment to dismantling the financial structures that enable ISIS to carry out attacks, support regional affiliates and expand its influence across multiple regions.
“We are cutting off the financial lifelines that enable ISIS to fund attacks, support its regional affiliates and threaten civilians, including religious minorities,” Pigott stated.
According to the State Department, the sanctions target individuals and entities accused of helping ISIS transfer funds across international borders through an extensive network spanning France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria.
The spokesperson noted that despite sustained military pressure, ISIS has increasingly relied on decentralised operations and financial intermediaries to sustain its activities, making the disruption of funding channels a key counterterrorism priority.
Among those designated is a France-based facilitator alleged to have provided information on the use of explosives to ISIS supporters.
The sanctions also target a Syria-based operative accused of using cryptocurrency platforms to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates operating in multiple countries, including the United States.
In addition, a Nigeria-based facilitator was designated over allegations that money exchange businesses under his control were used to channel funds linked to ISIS financing activities.
Pigott reaffirmed the security partnership between the United States and Nigeria, highlighting ongoing cooperation in counterterrorism operations.
He noted that Nigeria participated alongside the United States in the May 16, 2026 operation that resulted in the death of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified by US authorities as the second-highest-ranking official within ISIS.
“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,” Pigott said.
The State Department stressed that the United States remains committed to protecting its citizens, supporting vulnerable communities and strengthening international cooperation to combat terrorism financing.
Officials added that disrupting financial networks remains a critical component of global efforts to weaken terrorist organisations and prevent future attacks.
The latest sanctions form part of broader international measures aimed at restricting ISIS’s ability to generate, move and access funds used to support its operations worldwide.
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