The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of funding extremist groups in Nigeria and other parts of the world, claiming Tehran supports organisations that seek to destabilise countries while pursuing its long-standing hostility toward Israel.
Freeman made the allegations on Friday during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News. He described Iran as the only United Nations member state that openly declares a desire to destroy another sovereign nation, citing repeated threats against Israel over several decades.
According to the ambassador, Iran has consistently backed militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, including the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7. He further claimed that Iranian-backed activities aimed at spreading instability have been observed in Europe, Australia, and parts of Africa.
Focusing on Nigeria, Freeman alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria receives support from Tehran. He pointed to statements and social media posts from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as evidence of these ties.
“The issue here is Iran. It is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, that openly seeks to eliminate another country,” Freeman said. “Iran’s policy is to destroy Israel. Over the past 47 years, it has taken numerous actions to achieve this, sponsoring terrorist organisations, supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, and carrying out destabilising activities globally, including in Europe, Australia, and Nigeria. Israel will not allow a country with such intentions to obtain nuclear weapons.”
He added, “It is well documented that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria is sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime. The Supreme Leader has openly posted support for them. Iran is working not only to destabilise Nigeria but the wider West African region.”
