Israeli Accuses Iran of Sponsoring Shi’ites, Other Extremist Groups in Nigeria

Israeli has accused Iran of sponsoring Shi’ites and other extremist groups in Nigeria and globally.

 

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has accused Iran of sponsoring extremist activities in Nigeria and other parts of the world, claiming Tehran supports groups aimed at destabilising countries while pursuing hostility against Israel.

Freeman made the remarks on Friday during an interview on The Morning Show on Arise News.

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During the interview, the envoy alleged that Iran is the only country within the United Nations that has openly expressed a desire to destroy another sovereign state, referring to repeated threats directed at Israel.

According to him, the Iranian government has spent decades supporting militant groups and terrorist organisations globally in pursuit of that objective.

Freeman specifically alleged that Iran has provided backing to groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, adding that Tehran played a role in the October 7 attack carried out by Hamas against Israel.

The ambassador further claimed that Iranian activities aimed at spreading instability have been observed in several regions, including Europe, Australia and parts of Africa.

Speaking about Nigeria, Freeman alleged that the Islamic Movement of Nigeria receives support from the Iranian government.

He said statements from Iran’s leadership, including posts on social media by the country’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, have indicated such ties.

Freeman also warned that Iran’s activities could pose broader security concerns beyond Nigeria, claiming that the country is working to spread instability across parts of West Africa.

The ambassador stressed that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, arguing that Tehran’s stated hostility toward Israel makes such a development a major security threat.

The Iranian government has not publicly responded to the latest allegations.