The Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has alleged that the Iranian government is sponsoring Islamic movements in Nigeria as part of a broader campaign to spread terror globally.
Freeman’s remarks come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets.
On Monday, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, staged protests in several states over the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, during the strikes.
Demonstrations were recorded in Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna, with similar protests in Bauchi and Yobe.
Protesters waved Iranian flags, displayed portraits of Khamenei, and carried placards condemning both the US and Israel.
Speaking on Friday in an interview on AriseTV, Freeman said Israel is closely monitoring Iran-backed Islamic groups operating in Nigeria.
“We know there are certain movements, for example, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, that are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime,” he said.
The ambassador claimed Iran’s influence in Nigeria is part of a wider regional and global strategy.
“For 47 years, Iran has had a policy of death to Israel, death to America. Its entire state apparatus has been sponsoring terrorism and funding organizations worldwide to target Israelis, Jews, and spread terror,” Freeman said.
He further cited Iran’s development of ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities as evidence of the threat, adding that “Nigeria has also been on the receiving end of terrorism from Iran.”
On Thursday, Mahdavi Raja, Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, defended Tehran’s recent missile and drone strikes on US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
He described the attacks as retaliatory measures and within Iran’s rights, even in countries maintaining friendly relations with Tehran.
Freeman also addressed Iran’s nuclear ambitions, arguing that defensive measures against Tehran are justified.
“When a country declares it wants to destroy you and is pursuing nuclear weapons, it is not only justified but a moral obligation to act,” he said.
The envoy further condemned Iran’s sponsorship of terror globally, citing groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and pointing to attacks in countries including Argentina, Bulgaria, the UK, Australia, and Nigeria.
“Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is recognised as a terror group across Europe and elsewhere. It is clearly an international sponsor of terror,” he stated.
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Freeman concluded by assuring Israel’s willingness to support Nigeria in tackling any spillover from regional instability. “As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, we are ready to partner with Nigeria according to its needs to help address security challenges “he said “
