Iran Sponsoring Shi’ite Movement, Spreading Terror In Nigeria – Israel

Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has alleged that Iran is sponsoring Shi’ite groups and spreading terrorism in Nigeria as part of efforts to destabilise the country and other parts of West Africa.

Freeman made the allegation on Friday while speaking during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News, where he accused Tehran of backing militant groups across different regions of the world.

He claimed that Iran has supported organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, adding that similar destabilising activities were also being extended to parts of Africa, including Nigeria.

Speaking specifically about Nigeria, the envoy alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria receives backing from the Iranian government, saying the group is among movements supported by Tehran.

Freeman added that evidence of Iranian support for the Islamic Movement of Nigeria had been publicly documented.

“I think that it is well documented. We know that certain movements, for example the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime. This is not just me saying this; we’ve seen it documented by the Iranian regime.

“The Supreme Leader posted on X his support and his backing there, so that’s very open. There are also other areas where Iran is working to destabilise not only Nigeria but all of West Africa.

“We’ve seen over 47 years that they’ve taken all the actions they can in order for that to happen. We’ve seen them sponsor terror organisations. They were behind the October 7 massacre by Hamas. We’ve seen them sponsoring Hezbollah. We’ve seen them acting in Europe, Australia, and Nigeria.

“We’ve seen these people acting all across the world to spread disturbance as they pursue their aim of destroying Israel. Israel will not allow another country to have nuclear weapons when they have expressly stated they want those weapons to destroy Israel,” he said.

According to him, Iran had, for decades, funded and supported militant organisations globally in pursuit of its hostility against Israeland efforts to spread instability in different regions.

He said, “The issue here is about Iran. Iran is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, who expressly desires to wipe another country off the face of the earth. Iran has stated its very policy is to destroy Israel — to wipe Israel off the map and ensure every single person is killed. No regime or country that has an express desire to destroy Israel should be allowed to pursue such ambitions.”