Abuja – The United States has imposed sanctions on a Nigeria-based individual accused of facilitating the movement of funds for the Islamic State (ISIS) through money exchange businesses.

The announcement was made on Monday by the US State Department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, who said the individual was among three people and six entities operating across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa allegedly involved in financing the terrorist group.

According to Pigott, the network stretched across France, Syria, Turkey, and Nigeria, with each member playing different roles in supporting ISIS operations.

He said a France-based facilitator provided information on the use of explosives to ISIS supporters, while a Syria-based operative used cryptocurrency to transfer funds on behalf of ISIS associates in several countries, including the United States.

Pigott added that the Nigeria-based suspect allegedly used money exchange businesses as channels for moving funds linked to ISIS activities.

The US also reaffirmed its partnership with Nigeria following the recent operation that led to the killing of Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, identified as ISIS’s second-in-command.

According to the State Department, al-Minuki played a key role in coordinating international funding channels that enabled the use of armed drones in jihadist attacks. He was also said to have facilitated strategic communications, training support, and doctrinal guidance between ISIS central leadership and factions of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) operating across the region.

Pigott said the United States would continue to deploy diplomatic and legal measures to hold ISIS members and their supporters accountable, regardless of where they operate or how they move funds.

He added that the US remains committed to protecting religious minorities and working with international partners to eliminate the threat posed by ISIS to global peace and security.