Israeli Ambassador Warns Of Iranian Influence In Nigeria, West Africa
By ANITA KNIGHT
Envoy Raises Concerns Over Iranian Activities
THE Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of sponsoring Shi’ite movements and spreading terrorism in Nigeria as part of a broader strategy to destabilise the country and other parts of West Africa.
Freeman made the allegation during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he discussed regional security concerns and Iran’s global influence.
According to the envoy, Tehran has long supported militant organisations in various regions of the world and is now extending similar activities into parts of Africa.
Allegations of Support for Nigerian Shi’ite Movement
Freeman specifically mentioned the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, a Shi’ite group operating in the country, alleging that the organisation receives backing from the Iranian government.
He said evidence of Iranian support for the movement had been documented publicly.
“I think that it is well documented,” Freeman said during the interview. “We know that certain movements, for example the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime.”
He added that statements by Iranian officials, including posts on social media by the country’s leadership, demonstrate Tehran’s support for the movement.
According to the ambassador, such activities form part of a broader Iranian effort to extend influence across West Africa.
Linking Iran to Global Militant Networks
Freeman also accused Iran of supporting several militant organisations operating in different parts of the world.
He cited groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which Israel and several Western governments consider terrorist organisations.
The ambassador alleged that Tehran has played a role in sponsoring such groups over several decades as part of its geopolitical strategy.
“We have seen them sponsor terror organisations,” Freeman said. “They were behind the October 7 massacre by Hamas, and we have seen them sponsoring Hezbollah.”
He argued that Iran’s support for militant organisations is not limited to the Middle East but extends to Europe, Australia and Africa.
Security Implications for West Africa
Freeman warned that Iran’s activities could pose wider security challenges for countries across West Africa.
According to him, the Iranian government has pursued destabilising strategies in various regions for decades, often through alliances with militant movements.
He said Nigeria’s strategic importance and large population make it particularly vulnerable to such external influences.
Analysts say Nigeria’s security landscape is already complex, with challenges ranging from insurgency in the northeast to communal conflicts and criminal networks in other regions.
Any additional external involvement in domestic movements, they warn, could further complicate the situation.
Israel’s Position on Iran
Freeman also reiterated Israel’s longstanding concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its hostility toward the Israeli state.
He claimed Iran is the only country that has openly expressed a desire to eliminate another nation.
“The issue here is about Iran,” he said. “Iran is the only country that has expressed a desire to wipe another country off the face of the earth.”
According to him, Israel would not allow any country that has publicly threatened its existence to acquire nuclear weapons.
“No regime that openly declares its intention to destroy Israel should be allowed to pursue such ambitions,” he added.
Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions
Relations between Israel and Iran have remained deeply strained for decades, with both countries accusing each other of destabilising activities in various regions.
Israel has repeatedly warned about Iran’s nuclear programme and its support for armed groups in the Middle East, while Tehran denies sponsoring terrorism and insists its policies are aimed at supporting regional resistance movements.
Freeman’s comments reflect the broader geopolitical rivalry between the two countries, which increasingly extends beyond the Middle East into other regions, including Africa.
Observers say such allegations highlight the growing importance of Africa in global geopolitical competition and underline the need for African states to carefully navigate external influences while safeguarding their national security.
