By MOHAMMED DANBABA
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused the government of Iran of spreading terrorism in Nigeria and supporting protests organised by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), widely known as the Shiite movement.
Freeman made the allegations during a televised interview, warning that Iran’s influence is expanding beyond the Middle East into parts of Africa, including Nigeria and the broader West African region.
The ambassador argued that Tehran is using ideological and political networks to strengthen its presence, claiming some groups operating in Nigeria maintain links with the Iranian government.
Israel Raises Alarm Over Iran’s Influence in Nigeria
Speaking on the issue, Freeman said Iran’s activities are part of what he described as a broader global strategy aimed at exporting its ideology and destabilising other regions.
According to him, the Iran terrorism in Nigeria narrative is not new but part of a long-documented pattern of Tehran’s international engagements.
He specifically pointed to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, alleging the group enjoys backing from the Iranian regime.
“We know that there are certain movements, for example the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which is sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime,” Freeman said during the interview.
The Israeli envoy further claimed that the Iranian government has publicly expressed support for such movements, adding that evidence of these ties has appeared in official communications from Iranian authorities.
Freeman warned that Nigeria and other countries in the region must remain vigilant to prevent external actors from exploiting local religious or political movements.
Shiite Protests Erupt in Several Nigerian Cities
The remarks come amid a wave of demonstrations by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria across several states.
In recent days, Shiite supporters staged protests in cities including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Niger State. Protesters carried Iranian flags and images of the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, while condemning military actions against Iran by the United States and Israel.
The protests followed heightened tensions in the Middle East after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets, an operation that reportedly led to Khamenei’s death and triggered demonstrations by Iranian supporters worldwide.
During the Nigerian protests, participants voiced solidarity with Iran and criticised what they described as Western aggression against Muslim nations.
Although the Islamic Movement of Nigeria insists the demonstrations are peaceful, security agencies remain cautious.
Nigerian Security Agencies Step Up Monitoring
Nigeria’s security authorities have intensified surveillance of groups linked to the unfolding Middle East crisis.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, confirmed that law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring organisations that may have ideological connections with foreign powers.
According to Disu, developments in the Middle East could potentially trigger unrest or sectarian tensions within Nigeria.
Police commands across the country have therefore increased intelligence gathering and security presence around sensitive areas, including places of worship and public gathering points.
The move aims to prevent global geopolitical conflicts from spilling into domestic security challenges.
Long-Standing Controversy Around the Islamic Movement
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has long been a controversial organisation within the country’s religious and security landscape.
Founded by Shiite cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, the group has organised frequent protests over international issues involving Iran, Palestine, and the broader Muslim world.
Nigeria’s government banned the organisation in 2019 after deadly clashes between its members and security forces during demonstrations in Abuja.
Despite the ban, the group continues to hold rallies and religious processions across various states.
Past protests by the movement have occasionally resulted in confrontations with law enforcement authorities, raising concerns about public safety and national security.
Israel Offers Cooperation With Nigeria
While raising concerns about Iran terrorism in Nigeria, Freeman also emphasised that Israel is willing to strengthen cooperation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and regional instability.
He described Nigeria and Israel as long-standing partners in security and intelligence cooperation.
According to the ambassador, Israel is prepared to work with Nigerian authorities in areas such as counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and technological support to address security threats.
The comments reflect growing geopolitical tension as the Middle East crisis increasingly influences political and security dynamics in Africa.
As the situation evolves, analysts say Nigeria may face mounting pressure to balance domestic stability with the global political contest between major international actors.
Growing Global Ripple Effects
The unfolding dispute highlights how international conflicts can reverberate far beyond their immediate regions.
For Nigeria, the accusations surrounding Iran terrorism in Nigeria underscore a delicate security challenge: managing internal religious movements while avoiding becoming a battleground for geopolitical rivalries.
Authorities are expected to continue monitoring developments closely as protests linked to the Middle East crisis persist across parts of the country.
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