Israel Ambassador: Iran Sponsors Terrorism in Nigeria

Israel Ambassador: Iran Sponsors Terrorism in Nigeria

Israel Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism and extremist movements within Nigeria and across West Africa.

Speaking during an interview, Freeman alleged that the Iranian government supports certain Islamic groups in Nigeria as part of a wider strategy to spread its influence and destabilise regions beyond the Middle East.

According to the envoy, one of the groups he mentioned is the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, which he claimed receives backing from the Iranian government. Freeman said evidence of this support has appeared in statements and public endorsements from Iranian leaders.

He further alleged that Iran has a long history of supporting militant groups globally, adding that the country’s influence is now being felt in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Freeman linked these actions to Iran’s broader geopolitical agenda and its hostility toward Israel.

However, Iran has strongly denied the allegations. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Nigeria described the claims as unfounded and politically motivated. Iranian officials insisted that Tehran does not sponsor terrorism in Nigeria or anywhere in the Sahel region.

Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria stated that the accusations are part of a propaganda campaign and stressed that Iran itself has been a victim of terrorism in the past. The embassy also reaffirmed that relations between Iran and Nigeria remain friendly and based on cooperation in areas such as trade, education, culture, and technology.

Meanwhile, the Islamic Movement of Nigeria has also rejected the Israeli ambassador’s remarks, describing them as false and capable of creating unnecessary tension among Muslims in the country.

The allegations come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran following ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with both countries trading accusations over terrorism and regional influence. Analysts say the dispute could further complicate geopolitical relations involving Africa and the broader international community.