Abuja, Nigeria — Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has alleged that Iran’s destabilising activities are now reaching Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a screening of the documentary We Will Dance Again: Surviving October 7th, the Israeli envoy warned of Iran’s influence beyond the Middle East and its impact on regional stability.
The documentary, directed by Yariv Mozer, was screened to mark the anniversary of the October 7 invasion of Israel by Hamas, during which militants abducted 396 Israeli citizens, mostly partygoers. Though many were released through U.S. and UN intervention, 101 individuals remain captive.
During his remarks, Freeman described Iran as a regime of “tyrants,” asserting that its influence extends through proxy groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, both accused of destabilising the Middle East and beyond. Freeman claimed these Iranian-backed forces have now set their sights on Western Africa, including Nigeria.
“The tyrants in Tehran are responsible for the destabilisation of countries and the misery of millions,” said Freeman. “Iran’s leaders are also working to destabilise Western Africa, including here in Nigeria.”
The Israeli ambassador’s statements come as tensions between Israel and Hamas-backed Lebanon escalate. Israel’s recent missile strikes in Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah, another of Iran’s allies, with hundreds of casualties and damage to vital infrastructure reported.
Freeman indicated Israel’s willingness to halt its operations in Lebanon if UN Resolution 1701, mandating the disarmament of Hezbollah, is enforced.
“The war in Lebanon will only end with the full implementation of UN resolution 1701 – with Hezbollah unable to rearm, and pushed back beyond the Litani River and the Lebanese army in control of the South of Lebanon,” Freeman asserted.
Expressing gratitude for international support, Freeman thanked Nigeria and the United States, along with several other allies, for their solidarity during Israel’s recent conflicts.
“The support shown by President Biden, as well as by Republicans and Democrats alike, has been overwhelming,” said Freeman. “I also want to thank all of our friends in Nigeria who have stood with us.”
The Iranian government has not yet commented on Freeman’s allegations of destabilisation efforts in Nigeria.
Freeman maintained that Israel was forced into the current conflict due to attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah, stating, “This is not a war we wanted. This is not a war we started. Hamas and Hezbollah attacked Israel. And today we face a war on seven fronts – all of it sponsored by Iran.”