JUST IN: US designates Nigerian, others as ISIS financiers

The United States has designated a Nigerian national, along with individuals and entities in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, accusing them of facilitating financial activities linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The U.S. Department of State announced the action, which targets three individuals and six entities allegedly involved in moving funds for ISIS operations worldwide.

According to a statement, these designations are part of an effort to dismantle ISIS's capacity to finance terrorism globally. The U.S. aims to cut off financial lifelines that enable the group to fund attacks, support regional affiliates, and threaten civilians, particularly religious minorities. The network identified spans across France, Syria, Türkiye, and Nigeria, facilitating the cross-border movement of money for ISIS.

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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 from around the world that enable ISIS to fund attacks, support its regional affiliates, and threaten civilians, including religious minorities.

Specific individuals targeted include a France-based facilitator accused of providing information on explosives to ISIS supporters. A Syria-based operator allegedly used cryptocurrency to transfer funds for ISIS associates in multiple countries, including the United States. A Nigeria-based facilitator reportedly used their money exchange businesses as conduits for ISIS financing.

These designations are intended to expose and disrupt the financial infrastructure supporting ISIS. The U.S. government emphasizes its commitment to combating the group's financial networks and preventing it from funding its operations and spreading its influence.

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Today’s designations target three individuals and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa who have enabled ISIS to move money across borders – exposing a network that spans from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria.