The United States Department of the Treasury, through its Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), has designated a Nigerian national and three Nigeria-based financial entities for allegedly facilitating transactions on behalf of Islamic State West Africa (ISIS-WA/ISWAP). The sanctions freeze any property or interests within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit U.S. persons from dealing with them. The designations are allegations under U.S. sanctions law and do not amount to a criminal conviction.
Named Nigerian and Firms
- Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad — Nigerian national accused by the U.S. Treasury of serving as an ISIS-WA financial facilitator and conducting money transfers on behalf of the group.
- Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau de Change Limited — Nigeria-based money services business allegedly owned, controlled, or directed by Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad.
- Manhattan Bureau de Change Limited — Nigeria-based money services business allegedly linked to Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad.
- Generation Currency Bureau de Change Limited — Nigeria-based money services business allegedly linked to Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad.
Other Individuals and Entities Named in the Global Action
The broader U.S. sanctions action also targeted:
- Miloud Abderrahmane (France)
- Abdelhakim Boukich (Syria)
- Mohamad Alhmidan (previously designated by OFAC)
- Bitcoin Xchange
- Spider
- Alkaram
U.S. authorities alleged that these individuals and entities played roles in moving funds and providing financial services for ISIS networks operating across different regions.
The U.S. Treasury said the action forms part of its effort to disrupt ISIS financial networks globally, including those supporting operations in West Africa, where ISIS-WA remains one of the most active extremist organizations.
