Israel to Support Nigerian Christians Through Intelligence Sharing, Ambassador Says
Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has clarified that the country’s proposed support for Christian communities in Nigeria will focus on intelligence-sharing collaboration with the Nigerian government.
The remarks come after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a meeting with evangelical leaders in Florida last week, highlighted Nigeria as one of the countries where Christians face persecution and described Israel as uniquely capable of providing protection.
Netanyahu’s comments prompted reactions from Nigerians, still reeling from the surprise U.S. airstrikes on Nigeria on Christmas Day.
In an interview with Arise TV on Monday, Freeman stressed that Israel’s involvement would fully respect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“This is about working with Nigeria. This is not about working against Nigeria. It’s about partnering as allies to see what we can do together,” he said.
Freeman added, “Netanyahu emphasised intelligence sharing as the main area for collaboration. We will work with the Nigerian government to help prevent attacks not just on Christians, but on Muslims and all Nigerians. Our goal is to work together to stop all violence in the country.”
He also noted that Netanyahu’s comments were not limited to Nigeria but applied to other nations around the world where Christians face persecution.
