Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has alleged that Iran is supporting Islamic movements in Nigeria as part of a broader effort to expand terrorist activities globally.
Freeman made the claim during an interview on ARISE TV Morning Show, where he warned that Tehran’s influence in Nigeria and parts of West Africa posed a significant international security concern.
According to the envoy, Iran is backing the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ite movement, which he said operates within Nigeria while maintaining ideological and operational links with Tehran.
Freeman alleged that the Iranian government has a longstanding strategy of sponsoring militant groups across different regions of the world.
He cited groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi movement as organisations that Iran has been accused of supporting financially and militarily.
The ambassador further claimed that Iran’s activities have been linked to attacks in several countries, including Argentina, Bulgaria, United Kingdom, Australia and Nigeria.
Freeman also expressed concern over Iran’s ballistic missile programme and its nuclear ambitions, describing them as part of what he characterised as a broader threat to Israel and Western nations.
“Iran’s strategy has long been to destabilise regions through proxy groups,” he said, adding that the international community must take the development seriously.
The Israeli envoy also criticised recent protests staged by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria across several states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger State, Gombe State, Bauchi State and Yobe State.
According to him, the demonstrations were organised to show solidarity with Iran following recent airstrikes on Tehran reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel. Participants in the protests were seen waving Iranian flags and displaying portraits of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
However, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, defended Tehran’s actions, describing the country’s military operations in parts of the Gulf as retaliatory measures against attacks allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
Freeman also reiterated Israel’s willingness to support Nigeria in tackling security threats linked to extremist groups.
Quoting Benjamin Netanyahu, the envoy said Israel was ready to collaborate with Nigerian authorities to address instability.
“As Prime Minister Netanyahu said, we are willing and eager to partner with Nigeria according to its needs to help tackle instability,” he stated.
