We Are Ready To Support Nigeria In Fight Against Terrorism – Iran

Lagos, Nigeria – In a significant diplomatic development, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has reiterated Tehran’s strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian government in addressing security challenges posed by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The ambassador’s statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigerian authorities to curb the persistent threat of insurgency in the northeastern region of the country. “Iran condemns terrorism of any kind and expresses readiness to cooperate with governments facing it,” Raja stated in a recent interview. He further emphasized Iran’s solidarity with Nigeria, noting, “Nigeria faces security challenges from Boko Haram and ISWAP; we’re ready to support the government in combating terrorism. As a victim of terrorism, we condemn it in Nigeria.”

This offer of support aligns with Iran’s longstanding position as a nation that has itself suffered from terrorist activities, including attacks linked to various extremist groups. Raja’s comments were made during an appearance on ARISE TV, where he highlighted the potential for bilateral cooperation in intelligence sharing, capacity building, and other counter-terrorism measures.

As previously reported by NaijaChoice News, Nigeria has been grappling with Boko Haram’s insurgency since 2009, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, mass displacements, and economic disruptions in the Lake Chad Basin region. Recent incidents, including attacks in Borno State, underscore the urgency of international partnerships to bolster Nigeria’s security apparatus.

However, the ambassador’s remarks follow recent allegations from Israeli officials accusing Iran of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria and the broader Sahel region. Michael Freeman, Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, claimed that Iran supports major terror organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, and suggested links to activities in Nigeria. Raja swiftly dismissed these claims as “entirely unfounded” and politically motivated, aimed at straining the over six-decade-long diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Iran. “Such allegations are part of a propaganda campaign by a regime with a long record of violence and violations of international law,” he asserted.

Experts note that Nigeria-Iran relations have historically focused on trade, energy, and cultural exchanges, with recent high-level meetings reaffirming commitments to deepen these ties. In December 2025, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted Raja shortly after he presented his credentials to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling a mutual interest in enhanced cooperation.

Security analysts in Nigeria have mixed reactions to Iran’s offer. While some view it as a potential boost to counter-insurgency efforts, others caution against entanglements given the geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel. The US Department of State has long designated Iran as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing its alleged support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, though no concrete evidence has been publicly linked to Nigerian insurgents.

The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official response to the ambassador’s statements, but sources indicate that discussions on international support for anti-terrorism initiatives remain a priority. As the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP continues, collaborations like this could play a crucial role in restoring peace to affected communities.