March 6, 2026
News
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of actively spreading terrorism in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa through groups linked to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.
Freeman made the allegation during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, claiming that the Shiite organisation in Nigeria receives backing from Tehran as part of a broader strategy to expand Iran’s influence and destabilise the region.
According to the Israeli envoy, Iran’s involvement with the group is not hidden, citing statements and online posts by the country’s leadership as evidence of support.
“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.
He pointed specifically to comments made by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, saying the leader had publicly expressed support for the movement.
Freeman warned that Iran’s activities extend beyond Nigeria and form part of what he described as a wider effort to destabilise several countries across West Africa.
The ambassador also addressed the escalating tensions in the Middle East, insisting that Israel’s actions are a defensive response to threats posed by Iran.
He accused Tehran of sponsoring extremist groups globally, developing ballistic missiles and pursuing nuclear weapons while openly calling for the destruction of Israel.
“For decades, Iran has maintained a policy of hostility towards Israel and the United States,” Freeman said, adding that the country’s leadership has repeatedly called for Israel to be wiped off the map.
He argued that such threats justify actions taken by Israel to protect itself.
Freeman also dismissed questions about Israel’s own alleged nuclear capabilities, stating that the focus should remain on Iran’s activities.
“Israel has never officially said that it possesses nuclear weapons,” he said. “Our policy has always been that we will not be the first country to introduce nuclear weapons into the region.”
He further alleged that Iran has been involved in terrorist activities in multiple parts of the world, including Europe and South America.
“We have seen them operating in Nigeria and in other regions around the world in attempts to spread instability and pursue their agenda against Israel,” the envoy said.
The comments come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran following ongoing military confrontations involving the two countries and the United States.
The situation has also triggered reactions in Nigeria, with members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria staging protests after reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Abuja announced the temporary closure of its offices until Monday, citing security concerns and fears of possible protests in the nation’s capital.
SUNTV Global Channel reports that security agencies in Nigeria are closely monitoring the situation as tensions surrounding the Middle East crisis continue to reverberate across the region.
