In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

Lagos, Saturday, 07/03/2026

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) strongly condemns the baseless and irresponsible allegations made by Michael Freeman, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, accusing Iran of sponsoring Islamic movements in Nigeria as part of a global network promoting terrorism.

MPAC considers these claims reckless, unfounded, and potentially dangerous, particularly in a country like Nigeria where social harmony and religious coexistence are essential pillars of national stability. At a time when tensions in the Middle East have escalated following unprovoked military strikes by Israel and the United States against Iranian targets, it is deeply troubling that a foreign envoy would attempt to drag Nigeria’s internal religious communities into a volatile geopolitical conflict.

MPAC calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the nation’s security agencies to treat these allegations with utmost caution. Nigeria must not become a theatre for Israel’s adventurism, driven by its desire for control and domination, or imported geopolitical rivalries and propaganda capable of inflaming suspicion among citizens and foreign governments hosted in Nigeria.

The recent state-sponsored terrorist attacks on Iran, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (including members of his family and senior aides), have sparked global outrage and protests. Attempting to implicate Nigeria’s Shia Muslim community in international political disputes is irresponsible and unacceptable, and such narratives carry the potential to undermine Nigeria’s delicate socio-religious balance.

MPAC urges the Nigerian government to remain vigilant against manufactured intelligence narratives designed to assign suspicion to a particular group, influence government, justify security actions, or create political pressure. History offers sobering examples of Israel’s manipulative actions against governments and foreign intelligence services. The 1994 bombing of the Israeli embassy in London, which injured over 20 civilians and caused extensive damage was quickly blamed on Palestinian activists. Former MI5 intelligence officer Annie Machon however has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the bombing, alleging that it may have been used to frame the Palestinian activists and justify expanded surveillance measures against them. While the allegation remains disputed, it highlights the importance of exercising caution whenever intelligence claims are deployed within politically sensitive contexts.

Following a similar pattern, there are reports currently circulating that authorities in Saudi Arabia and Qatar allegedly arrested suspected agents of Mossad who were reportedly planning bomb attacks within their territories. These claims, highlighted by political commentator Tucker Carlson, have raised serious concerns about possible covert operations aimed at further destabilising parts of the Middle East with the apparent aim of putting the blame on Iran. Given the warning from the Israeli envoy, Nigeria’s intelligence community should be extra vigilant to protect Nigeria’s stability, as false flag operations could be possible in the country. Nigeria must also remain vigilant and ensure that its national security policies are guided strictly by credible evidence and the country’s national interest, not by external narratives capable of sowing suspicion and division.

The involvement of the U.S. and Israel in promoting terrorism in Nigeria and globally is a pressing concern. On February 13, 2025, U.S. Congressman Scott Perry alleged that USAID funds were used to support terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda, with as much as $697 million potentially funneled to these organizations. Despite USAID’s closure, the U.S. maintains its activities advance global security. However, this claim is contradicted by actions such as the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and joint military strikes with Israel that killed over 160 school children in Mirab, southern Iran. These actions raise critical questions: Can such violence be justified under the guise of global security? How does targeting innocent civilians, including young girls aged 7-12, advance global stability?

The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has rejected the allegations made by Michael Freeman, describing them as false, provocative, and capable of creating tension among Muslims. They emphasize that their solidarity with oppressed communities globally is rooted in moral conviction, humanitarian concern, and universal principles of justice. MPAC calls on the Shia Muslim community to remain law-abiding, avoid any external influence that will make them become a threat to national peace and refrain from actions or words that may play into the hands of those creating a narrative of terrorism around their community. We urge them to work closely with security and law enforcement services, guided by Islamic injunctions, to prioritize and protect Nigeria’s unity, stability, and security.

Israel is making false accusations of terrorism against the Islamic Movement of Nigeria because of the unwavering support of the Movement for the Palestinian cause, and will stop at nothing to demonize any entity that dares to advocate for Palestine’s rights and freedom. Israel has a history of attacking and demonizing organizations and individuals advocating for Palestine, often labeling them as antisemitic, terrorists or terrorist sympathizers. This has led to criticism from human rights groups and others (including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Jewish Voice for Peace, Reporters Without Borders, UN Special Rapporteurs), who argue that Israel is suppressing legitimate criticism and advocacy for Palestinian rights.

MPAC once again calls on Nigerian Muslims to stand in prayerful solidarity with Iran as it confronts threats from Israel, the United States, and their allies. At the same time, we urge restraint, wisdom, and civic responsibility on all Nigerians. Under no circumstances should external conflicts be allowed to fracture Nigeria’s internal peace or compromise national security.

MPAC reaffirms its commitment to justice, peace, and the protection of Nigeria’s unity and stability.

– The End –

Disu Kamor
Executive Chairman
Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria
kamor.disu@mpac-ng.org
www.mpac-ng.org