Israel's ambassador alleges Iran is backing Islamist groups to perpetuate violence in Nigeria

Michael Freeman, Israel's Ambassador to Nigeria, has levied accusations against the Iranian government, asserting that it provides financial and logistical backing to Islamic movements in Nigeria as a pivotal component of its global terrorism exportation campaign. The ambassador specifically identified the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also referred to as the Shi'ites, as a group operating under Iranian auspices.

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Freeman's allegations were made during a Friday interview on AriseTV, where he stated, "We know there are certain movements, for example, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, that is sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime."

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The Iranian government's influence extends far beyond Nigeria's borders, according to Freeman, who described Tehran's long-standing hostility towards Israel and the West as a deliberate, state-sponsored terror campaign that has persisted for decades.

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Freeman elaborated on Iran's intentions, stating, "For 47 years, Iran has had a policy of death to Israel, death to America, with its entire apparatus and state structure sponsoring terrorism and organizations worldwide to kill Israelis, Jews, and spread terror."

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He further emphasized that Nigeria has been a recipient of Iranian-sponsored terrorism, underscoring the need for vigilance and cooperation to counter such threats.

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Freeman's remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, following coordinated US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets that reportedly resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of his family.

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These strikes triggered widespread protests across several Nigerian states on Monday, with IMN members demonstrating in cities such as Lagos, Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Gombe, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Yobe, while waving Iranian flags and displaying portraits of Khamenei.

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The protesters also carried placards condemning the United States and Israel, reflecting the strong sentiments of solidarity with Iran among certain groups in Nigeria.

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Freeman cited Iran's alleged sponsorship of various organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, as well as attacks linked to Tehran in countries such as Argentina, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Nigeria.

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He described Iran as "an international sponsor of terror," highlighting the need for collective action to counter its destabilizing influence.

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Regarding Iran's nuclear program, Freeman emphasized that defensive military action is not only justified but also a moral imperative, stating, "When a country says that they want to destroy you and they are trying to build a nuclear weapon, it's absolutely justified, not only is it justified, it's a moral obligation."

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Freeman also signalled Israel's willingness to support Nigeria in containing any potential terror spillover, referencing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer to partner with Abuja on security matters.

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Meanwhile, Iran's ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, defended Tehran's retaliatory missile and drone strikes on US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, describing the action as within Iran's rights.