Israel: Iran Backing El-Zakzaky’s Shi’ites, Spreading Terror In Nigeria

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise News, Freeman described Iran as the only United Nations member state that openly seeks to eradicate another sovereign nation, specifically Israel. “Iran is the only country in the world, in the United Nations, who expressly desires to wipe another country off the face of the earth,” he stated. He further accused Iran of supporting militant organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, and claimed Tehran was directly involved in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Freeman extended these claims to global activities, alleging Iranian interference in Europe, Australia, and Africa, including Nigeria.

Focusing on Nigeria, the ambassador pointed to the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as the Shi’ite group led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, as a direct beneficiary of Iranian backing. “We know that there are certain movements, for example, the Islamic movement of Nigeria is sponsored and is backed by the Iranian regime,” Freeman said. He cited public statements from Iran’s leadership, including social media posts by the late Khamenei, as evidence of these ties. According to Freeman, Iran’s actions are aimed at spreading instability not only in Nigeria but across West Africa.

The IMN, founded in the late 1970s by Zakzaky following his inspiration from Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, has long been accused of receiving ideological, financial, and operational support from Tehran. Zakzaky, who converted to Shi’ism after visits to Iran, has positioned the group as a mass movement advocating for an Islamic state in Nigeria, often clashing with Nigerian authorities. The Nigerian government banned the IMN in 2019, designating it a terrorist organization amid fears of violence and foreign influence. Clashes between IMN members and security forces have resulted in numerous deaths, including a 2015 incident where over 300 IMN supporters were killed.

Recent developments have intensified scrutiny on these alleged links. Following Khamenei’s death in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, IMN members staged nationwide protests in northern cities like Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and Sokoto, expressing solidarity with Iran and condemning the attacks. Protesters carried Iranian flags and chanted anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans, with some reports of U.S. and Israeli flags being desecrated. Zakzaky himself issued condolences for Khamenei’s “martyrdom,” further highlighting the group’s alignment with Iranian interests.

Iran has vehemently denied these accusations. In a statement from its embassy in Abuja, Ambassador Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja dismissed Freeman’s claims as “unfounded propaganda” designed to deflect from Israel’s actions. “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 said. Iran emphasized its bilateral ties with Nigeria, rejecting any involvement in terrorism.

The Nigerian government has not issued an official response to Freeman’s latest remarks, but past actions indicate ongoing concerns. Authorities have tracked foreign funding for extremist groups, including collaborations with international partners to trace financial flows. In light of the protests, security has been heightened in affected areas, with reports of U.S. diplomatic facilities in Abuja and Lagos temporarily closing due to potential threats.

Freeman reiterated Israel’s willingness to assist Nigeria in countering these threats, stating, “We are eager to partner with Nigeria according to Nigeria’s needs.” As regional tensions escalate from the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, analysts warn that foreign influences could exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges, including insurgencies in the northeast and banditry in the northwest.