Oluwatobi Adu 
Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman
ABUJA, Nigeria – Diplomatic tensions intensify after Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria accuses Iran of sponsoring terrorism and destabilising the country through alleged support for local militant movements.
Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, made the allegation during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, claiming Tehran actively backs groups operating within Nigeria as part of its wider geopolitical strategy.
Freeman specifically points to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), alleging the group receives support from Iran. “We know there are certain movements, for example the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, that are sponsored and backed by the Iranian regime,” he says.
The envoy argues that Nigeria has already suffered from the consequences of such influence. “Nigeria has been on the receiving end of terrorism from Iran,” Freeman adds, linking the alleged support to Tehran’s broader backing of militant organisations across the Middle East.
Freeman further claims Iran funds groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, as well as militias in Iraq, accusing the Iranian government of exporting instability globally.
He also criticises Tehran’s handling of domestic protests. “Less than two months ago, millions of Iranians protested against the regime, and the regime’s response was to gun them down,” Freeman says, alleging that tens of thousands of protesters were killed.
Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, rejects the accusations, describing them as politically motivated.
“Such allegations are entirely unfounded and form part of a propaganda campaign by a regime that has a long record of violence and violations of international law,” Raja tells Vanguard.
The diplomatic exchange highlights escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, now spilling into Nigeria’s political landscape amid broader conflicts and security concerns across the Middle East.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
