Israeli Envoy Attributes Global Terrorism to Iranian Influence in Nigeria and Beyond.
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has identified Iran as a major driver of global terrorism, citing its ongoing support for extremist groups active in the Middle East and Africa. Speaking during the screening of the documentary We Will Dance Again in Abuja, which commemorates the first anniversary of the October 7 attacks, Freeman underscored the destabilising impact of Iranian-backed organisations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Freeman explained that Iran’s influence extends beyond the Middle East, increasingly affecting parts of Africa, particularly Nigeria, where it is reportedly linked to terrorist activity. According to Freeman, Iran’s support of militant groups is part of a broader strategy involving significant financial and technical assistance, as well as arms supply, aimed at fomenting unrest across regions.
“The root of this war and ongoing instability is Iran,” Freeman stated. “Iran supports and funds groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, fuelling unrest across the Middle East. Their strategy involves substantial investment and technical expertise to destabilise regions beyond the Middle East, including West Africa.”
Freeman called on the international community to urgently address Iran’s role in promoting terrorism, emphasising that achieving lasting peace in the Middle East and parts of Africa will require transformative changes within Iran’s leadership. He highlighted the shared threat of terrorism facing both Israel and Nigeria, stressing the importance of international collaboration in countering extremism.
