Michael Freeman, Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, has accused the Iranian government of supporting Islamic movements in Nigeria as part of a global effort to spread terror.
The remarks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets.
On Monday, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also called Shi’ites, staged protests in Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe, and Kaduna over the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, during the strikes.
Similar demonstrations were recorded in Bauchi and Yobe, with protesters waving Iranian flags, holding Khamenei’s portraits, and denouncing the United States and Israel.
In a Friday interview with AriseTV, Freeman said Israel is aware of Iran-backed Islamic groups operating in Nigeria.
“We know certain movements, such as the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, receive backing from the Iranian regime,” he said.
He warned that Iran’s influence extends beyond Nigeria to West Africa, describing Tehran’s hostility toward Israel and the West as a global threat.
“For nearly five decades, Iran has promoted a policy of ‘death to Israel, death to America.’ Its state machinery has sponsored terrorism worldwide, targeting Israelis, Jews, and spreading fear,” Freeman said.
The envoy cited Iran’s development of ballistic missiles and nuclear capabilities as proof of the danger, adding that Nigeria has been affected by Iran-linked terrorism.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, defended Tehran’s strikes on US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, saying they were in response to US and Israeli actions and within Iran’s rights, even in countries friendly to Tehran.
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Freeman said pre-emptive measures are justified. “When a nation declares it wants to destroy you while pursuing nuclear weapons, it is not just justified but a moral duty to act,” he stated.
He also condemned Iran’s global sponsorship of terror, citing its support for groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, as well as attacks in countries such as Argentina, Bulgaria, the UK, Australia, and Nigeria.
“Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is designated a terror group across Europe and elsewhere. Iran is clearly an international sponsor of terrorism,” Freeman said.
The ambassador assured that Israel is ready to assist Nigeria in countering any security threats linked to regional instability.
“As Prime Minister Netanyahu has said, Israel stands ready to partner with Nigeria to address security challenges according to Nigeria’s needs,” he added
