Iran Ready To Support Nigeria Against Terrorism, Rejects Israeli Allegations Of Sponsorship
Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Mahdavi Raja, has affirmed Tehran’s willingness to assist Nigeria in its fight against terrorism, responding to claims by Israel that Iran sponsors extremist groups in the region.
In an interview with Arise Television, Raja clarified that Islamic groups in Nigeria maintain only spiritual and cultural ties with Iran, not political affiliations.
His remarks came after Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, alleged on Friday that Iran supports Islamic movements in Nigeria and West Africa as part of a broader effort to spread terror. Freeman cited Iran’s ballistic missile and nuclear programs and claimed that Nigeria had been affected by the country’s actions.
The comments followed recent protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, in several states mourning the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, during US-Israeli strikes in Tehran.
Reacting to Freeman’s claims, the IMN Media Forum dismissed the allegations as “possible false-flag terrorism by the Israelis.” Chairman Ammar Rajab described the accusations as “inappropriate and unacceptable,” pointing out Israel’s own record of human rights violations.
Raja emphasized that the Shi’ite rallies in Nigeria were peaceful demonstrations of grief and reflected a shared spiritual bond among Muslims. “This does not mean that Iran is defending those groups. It is a moral and spiritual connection because they are Muslims, and we are Muslims,” he said.
The ambassador also highlighted Iran’s readiness to collaborate with Nigeria on counterterrorism efforts. “We are ready to lend a helping hand. We know that Nigeria faces threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other groups. We are prepared to share our experience in combating terrorism,” Raja said.
He further noted that Iran itself has suffered from terrorism and has consistently condemned attacks worldwide. “We are victims, and we are ready to cooperate with African countries to combat terrorism, drawing from our experience. We condemn terrorist attacks in Nigeria and across Africa,” he added.
