By Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani
(Abuja) In a far-reaching charge of transnational crime, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has laid bare Iran’s clandestine operations in Nigeria, exposing the Islamic Republic’s sinister plot to destabilize the West African nation.
Ambassador Freeman had earlier on November 5 in Abuja, asserted that Iran is pumping millions, even billions of dollars, of expertise and weapons into West Africa in order to destabilise the region.
“They know what they are doing. Iran has also made attempt to destabilise Africa and West Africa, and they are beginning their action also in Nigeria,” Freeman said.
Based on his press conference, TruthNigeria sought and got an interview with Michael Freeman.
In an exclusive interview with Truthnigeria, Freeman revealed that Iran is the major sponsor of terrorism worldwide, backing groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. He noted that Iran has worked to destabilize the Middle East since the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and has an open aim to expand the Iranian revolution globally.
Holding no bar, the diplomat told Truthnigeria that Iran is actively involved in a plot to destabilise Nigeria
“There are enough evidences to show that Iran is planning to destabilise Nigeria,” Freeman said. Iranian state officials were in Niamey, Niger Republic, teaching the military junta ways on how to evade the sanctions imposed on the coup plotters by the West African regional bloc called Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by Nigeria.”
He further alleged that Iran is providing financial and other forms of support to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, which is headed by Sheik Ibrahim Yaqoub El Zakzaky. The long-time Nigerian Shia leader reportedly met with Iranian Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in October, 2023 at which the Ayatollah encouraged him to continue his anti-Nigerian government stance.
The Israeli ambassador further warned that Iran’s proxies have been active in Nigeria, with Hezbollah supporters arrested in possession of arms caches and Hamas leaders visiting the country. He emphasized that Iran’s threat is not only global but also internal, with the regime persecuting its own people. “Iranian proxies have been active in Nigeria. In recent years we have seen Hezbollah supporters arrested in possession of arms caches, Hamas leaders visiting, and the Iranian regime is openly supporting the IMN,” Freeman said.
Iran Could Instigate Terror Attacks In Nigeria
The Israeli diplomat believes that Iran’s troublemaking in Nigeria will take the form of terrorist attacks, supporting local militant groups, and other means. He noted that Iran is working to expand its influence across the world, with Africa and Western Africa being important parts of its long-term planning.
The ambassador warned that the potential consequences of Iran’s actions in Nigeria could be severe, both for the country and the wider region. He emphasized the need for Nigeria and Israel to work together to counter Iran’s plans and ensure regional stability.
“IMN and Iranian leadership are proud of the connection and support that they are giving – it is certainly not hiding it,” Freeman added.
Gideon Odoh of Alterconsult, a public affairs analysis firm based in Kaduna, has validated the claims made by Freeman. According to Odoh, a review of the records of Iranian-Nigerian relations supports Ambassador Freeman’s assertions
“The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) is indeed a proxy of Iran, and its leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, has consistently advocated for an Iranian-style Islamic republic in Nigeria,” Odoh went on to say.
Zakzaky’s vision for Nigeria is modelled after Iran’s Islamic revolution, and he has been instrumental in spreading Iran’s ideology in Nigeria, according to Odoh.
The IMN has been involved in clashes with the Nigerian police force and military since 2013, with a notable violent clash in 2015 leading to Zakzaky’s arrest.
“And in 2019, 193 members of the Iranian parliament wrote a letter to Nigeria’s leadership, calling for Zakzaky’s release from detention
“Additionally, there were reports in 2018 that Hezbollah, another Iranian proxy, was giving military training to IMN members in Lebanon,” Odoh said
Regional Implications
There could be serious regional consequences as Iran tries to gain foothold in West African subregion, according to International Security Expert, Scott Morgan.
Referencing Iran’s growing influence in Nigeria and the Sahel, Morgan told TruthNigeria that Iran is one of several actors that has sought inroads into the Sahel since the withdrawal of France and he further notes that Iran could use the instability in West African states to sponsor armed insurrection in the region.
Morgan calls the IMN a real threat to Nigeria. He asks, “What will the Islamic Movement do so that not only Aso Rock takes heed of their presence but the International community as well?”
He also suggested that Iran can decide to fund the group militarily, and that could be a major threat to Nigeria.
Morgan warns that Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah can create chaos for the Nigerian government, and that the country’s commercial interests are vulnerable to attack. As he notes, “Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah can create chaos for the Nigerian Government. Why haven’t they done so yet? There is no vacuum yet that needs to be filled.”
Odoh agrees with Morgan, ” the Islamic Republic of Iran funds IMN and the group has defied the Nigerian government directives severally which has led to violent clashes between the group and the police.
“IMN is also getting bolder by the day, and it is estimated to have 3-7 million followers in Nigeria, if and when they decided to become like Boko Haram, then Nigeria is in grave danger, Odoh concluded
Mike Odeh James and Olikita Ekani are conflict Reporters for TruthNigeria.
