The United States government has sanctioned a Nigerian national alongside several individuals and organisations across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa over their alleged involvement in financing activities linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State, where spokesperson Thomas Pigott said the action targeted three individuals and six entities accused of helping ISIS move and manage funds across multiple countries.
According to the U.S. government, the move is part of ongoing efforts to weaken the terrorist group’s financial network and disrupt its operations worldwide.
“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 regional affiliates and threaten civilians, including religious minorities,” the statement said.
The U.S. said the sanctions affect individuals and organisations operating in France, Syria, Türkiye and Nigeria, describing the network as one that facilitated the transfer of money across international borders.
Among those named is a France-based operative accused of supplying information on the use of explosives to ISIS supporters, a Syria-based facilitator allegedly involved in transferring funds through cryptocurrency on behalf of ISIS-linked associates in several countries, including the United States, and a Nigerian businessman whose currency exchange operations were reportedly used to channel funds for the terrorist group.
“Today’s designations target three individuals and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East and West Africa who enabled ISIS to move money across borders, exposing a network stretching from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria,” the statement noted.
The sanctions are expected to freeze any assets linked to the affected individuals and entities under U.S. jurisdiction and restrict their access to the international financial system.
Further details on the identities of those designated are expected to be released by U.S. authorities.
