The Federal Government has welcomed fresh sanctions imposed by the United States on Nigerian bureau de change operators accused of financing terrorism.
Authorities described the action as a significant step in efforts to disrupt financial networks linked to terrorist organisations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Nigeria Sanctions Committee praised the sanctions announced by the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The committee said the measures targeted Muktar Muhammad Adamu, Nine to Nine BDC Limited and Generation Currency BDC Limited.
According to officials, the affected individuals and companies had already been included on Nigeria’s sanctions list days before the US action.
The government explained that the designations followed extensive intelligence gathering and detailed financial investigations.
Inter-agency assessments reportedly established grounds to suspect the affected parties of supporting terrorist financing activities.
Authorities alleged that the individuals and companies contributed to operations linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province, known as ISWAP.
The sanctions list also included several other individuals and business entities identified during the investigations.
Government officials said the action reflects Nigeria’s determination to weaken financial channels used by extremist groups.
The committee urged banks and other financial institutions to strictly comply with existing sanctions regulations.
It directed affected organisations to enforce asset-freezing measures and promptly report suspicious transactions.
Financial institutions were also instructed to notify relevant authorities of any matches connected to sanctioned persons or entities.
The government commended security and regulatory agencies involved in the investigations and enforcement process.
Among the agencies recognised were the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The Department of State Services, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit were also praised.
Officials said the coordinated efforts demonstrated the country’s commitment to tackling terrorism financing.
The government maintained that terrorist organisations would not be allowed access to Nigeria’s financial system.
Authorities stressed that denying extremists financial resources remains critical to national security efforts.
The committee reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening financial transparency and accountability.
It also pledged continued cooperation with international partners in combating terrorism and related financial crimes.
According to the statement, collaboration between domestic and foreign agencies remains essential to disrupting global terrorist networks.
The Federal Government said it would continue implementing measures designed to safeguard national security interests.
Officials added that efforts would focus on protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial sector while supporting international counterterrorism initiatives.
