Iran offers to help Nigeria fight terrorism, dismisses Israeli accusations as ‘Propaganda’
Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has declared Tehran’s readiness to support Nigeria in its ongoing battle against terrorism, even as he firmly pushed back against accusations from his Israeli counterpart that Iran is actively sponsoring extremist groups on Nigerian soil.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Raja stated that Iran is prepared to share its counterterrorism experience with Nigeria, noting that the country is well aware of the security threats Nigeria faces from groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The envoy’s remarks come on the heels of a pointed allegation by Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman, who accused Iran of actively spreading terrorism in Nigeria and backing the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), popularly known as the Shi’ites, as part of a wider destabilisation agenda across West Africa.
Freeman’s comments were made in the context of recent IMN protests in several Nigerian states following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during US-Israeli strikes on Tehran.
Raja, however, rejected the Israeli ambassador’s claims outright. The envoy described the allegations as “entirely unfounded” and dismissed them as part of a propaganda campaign by a regime with its own record of international law violations. He clarified that the IMN’s recent rallies were expressions of mourning and religious solidarity, reflecting spiritual and emotional ties among Muslims — not political direction from Tehran.
On the broader question of his country’s relationship with Islamic groups in Nigeria, Raja maintained that such connections are purely spiritual and cultural, stressing that they do not translate to political backing or support for any form of violence.
Describing Iran as a victim of terrorism itself, Raja emphasised that Tehran has consistently condemned terrorist activity and remains open to genuine cooperation with nations facing security threats.
The ambassador further described Nigeria as holding a significant place in Iran’s engagement with the African continent, affirming that Tehran seeks constructive, long-term ties with Nigeria grounded in trade, education, culture, and science.
The diplomatic exchange marks the latest flashpoint in the Israel-Iran conflict finding its way into Nigerian affairs — raising questions about how Abuja intends to navigate growing pressure from both sides as the Middle East crisis deepens.
