US Sanctions Nigeria-Based Firm Over Alleged Iran Missile Procurement

The United States has imposed sanctions on a Nigeria-based company and two individuals over their alleged involvement in efforts to help Iran procure man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADS).

The US Department of State announced the sanctions on 4 November, identifying the Nigerian company as Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited. The other designated parties are Mohammed Ali Tolibov, chief executive of Belarus-based Armory Alliance, and Russia-based Alisher Domullodzhanov.

According to the State Department, Vanguard Tactical Supply Limited facilitated efforts to procure Chinese-origin MANPADS for Iran through the use of false end-users.

The department also alleged that Armory Alliance acted as an intermediary between Chinese companies and Iran, facilitating attempts to purchase hundreds of the portable air-defence systems.

The sanctions form part of the US government’s Operation Economic Outcast, a campaign targeting networks involved in Iran’s military procurement activities.

The latest action follows earlier designations on 8 May, 10 June and 15 July 2026, as Washington seeks to disrupt procurement channels and enforce international restrictions on arms supplies to Iran.

The designations were made under Executive Order 13949, which targets individuals and entities involved in Iran’s conventional arms activities.

Under the sanctions, assets belonging to the designated parties within the United States, or held or controlled by US persons, will be blocked and reported to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

US persons are also prohibited from conducting transactions involving their property unless authorised or exempted under applicable regulations.

The State Department said it would continue working with international partners to prevent the flow of weapons it considers a threat to US forces and regional security.

The allegations concern efforts to facilitate procurement; the announcement does not establish that the weapons were successfully delivered to Iran.