U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on ISIS Financial Network Linked to Nigeria
The United States has announced a fresh set of sanctions targeting individuals and organizations believed to be facilitating the financing of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This action specifically addresses networks across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, including Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday, U.S. State Department Spokesman Thomas Piggott confirmed that these measures are part of a broader initiative to dismantle ISIS’s global financial framework, thereby disrupting the group’s capacity to fund terrorist operations.
Three individuals and six entities located in various countries have been identified for allegedly aiding ISIS in transferring funds internationally. Piggott emphasized that the commitment to disrupt ISIS’s financial operations remains strong under the current U.S. administration.
According to Piggott, “Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States is dismantling ISIS’s ability to finance terrorism worldwide.” He noted the focus on severing the financial avenues that enable ISIS to conduct attacks and support its affiliates, which pose significant threats to civilians, including religious minorities.
The sanctioned entities include a France-based intermediary accused of supplying information regarding explosive usage to ISIS affiliates, a Syria-based operator allegedly transferring funds through virtual currencies for ISIS supporters in various countries, including the United States, and a Nigeria-based currency exchange intermediary described as a conduit for ISIS finances.
In addition to these sanctions, U.S. officials expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s cooperation in counterterrorism initiatives. Piggott highlighted a successful May 16, 2026 operation in which Nigeria collaborated with U.S. forces, resulting in the elimination of ISIS’s number two leader, Abu Bilal Al Minuki.
Piggott reaffirmed the ongoing commitment of the U.S. government to pursue ISIS operatives and their financial networks globally. He stated, “We will utilize every diplomatic and legal instrument at our disposal to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable, regardless of their operational landscape.”
This recent action falls under Executive Order 13224, which grants the U.S. government the authority to impose anti-terrorism sanctions. The State Department also reiterated that ISIS, initially known as al-Qaeda in Iraq, was classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Organization on October 15, 2004, and subsequently recognized as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on December 17, 2004.
