Israeli Envoy Accuses Iran of Sponsoring Islamic Groups in Nigeria to Spread Global Térror

Michael Freeman, Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, has accused Iran of backing Islamic movements in Nigeria to spread terror worldwide. Speaking on AriseTV, Freeman specifically cited the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, as being supported by Tehran.

He warned that Iran’s influence extends beyond Nigeria to other parts of West Africa and described the country’s longstanding hostility toward Israel and the West as a global threat.

Freeman highlighted Iran’s alleged sponsorship of terrorism, including support for groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, as well as attacks in countries such as Argentina, Bulgaria, the U.K., Australia, and Nigeria. He pointed to Iran’s development of ballistic missiles and nuclear ambitions as further evidence of its threat, emphasizing that defensive action against Tehran is morally justified.

The ambassador also condemned recent demonstrations by IMN members in various Nigerian states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, Gombe, Bauchi, and Yobe, which expressed solidarity with Iran following US-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran. Protesters carried Iranian flags and portraits of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Mahdavi Raja, Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, defended Tehran’s military actions in Gulf countries, describing them as retaliatory measures against US and Israeli operations.

Freeman concluded by reiterating Israel’s readiness to assist Nigeria in countering any terror-related spillovers. “As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, we are willing and eager to partner with Nigeria according to its needs to help tackle instability,” he stated.