ABUJA:  The Federal Government has instructed all financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses to strictly comply with sanctions by immediately freezing the assets of individuals and entities linked to terrorism financing.

This directive follows recent sanctions imposed by the United States government against a Nigerian financier of ISIS and three of his currency exchange firms based in Lagos and Kano. Utilizing Executive Order 13224, the US targeted Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, 35, alongside Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited, Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited, and Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited, for allegedly transferring funds on behalf of ISIS.

Prior to the US announcement, the Nigerian Sanctions Committee had already updated its national sanctions list on June 18, 2026, adding six individuals and one entity. The newly sanctioned parties include:

• Ibrahim Yakubu Ogirima

• Adamu Chiroma

• Ibrahim Abubakar

• Abdullahi Umar Usman

• Babangida Muhammed

• Adamu Hammajam

• Abbal Bako & Sons Bureau De Change Limited

Coordinated Counter-Terrorism Efforts

The Nigerian Sanctions Committee noted that the US actions align with existing domestic penalties, demonstrating a unified international effort to disrupt the financial networks of extremist groups. According to the committee, the designations followed rigorous intelligence gathering, financial audits, and inter-agency evaluations confirming that the accused parties provided material and financial support to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The committee praised the collaborative efforts of several domestic agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Department of State Services, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, for their roles in blocking terrorist access to the financial system.

Military Reports Major Defeats Against Insurgent Leadership

In a concurrent update, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) announced significant military progress against insurgent groups operating within the country and the broader Sahel region.

During the Second Quarter Operations Briefing for Foreign Defence Advisers and Attaches, the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, stated that collaboration with international partners—specifically the United States, the United Kingdom, and France—has enabled the Nigerian military to severely disrupt the leadership and logistical networks of ISIS and Boko Haram.

Lieutenant General Undiandeye reported that enhanced operational capabilities, advanced technology, and joint intelligence efforts have resulted in the neutralization of numerous terrorist commanders and foot soldiers, effectively stabilizing national security.

Major General Ojogbane Adegbe, the Director of Foreign Liaison, added that the quarterly briefings serve as a vital platform to provide accredited foreign diplomats and security stakeholders with accurate updates on regional security and to foster ongoing international defense cooperation.