“We Are Ready to Assist Nigeria in Combating Terrorism” — Iran’s Envoy

Iran has expressed readiness to support Nigeria in addressing terrorism, according to Tehran’s ambassador to the country, Mahdavi Raja.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Raja said Iran is prepared to share its counterterrorism experience with Nigerian authorities as the country confronts insurgent groups.

“We are ready to lend a helping hand,” Raja said. “Nigeria faces threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP and other groups. We are ready to share our experience in counterterrorism.”

His remarks followed allegations by Michael Freeman, Israel’s ambassador to Nigeria, who accused Iran of sponsoring Islamic movements in Nigeria and West Africa as part of efforts to expand terrorism.

Freeman made the claim on Friday, stating that Iran has spread instability through militant networks alongside its ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.

The accusation came amid protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, in several states after reports that Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was killed during recent US–Israeli strikes on Tehran.

Responding to the claims, Raja said Islamic groups in Nigeria have only religious and cultural links with Iran, not political ties.

“After the assassination of our supreme leader, there were peaceful rallies, funerals and mourning gatherings,” he said. “This does not mean Iran is directing those groups. It reflects a spiritual connection among Muslims.”

Raja added that Iran has repeatedly condemned terrorism and views itself as a victim of such attacks.

“We are victims of terrorism,” he said. “Iran has consistently condemned terrorist attacks in Nigeria and across Africa.”

He also said Tehran is open to cooperating with Nigeria and other African countries to address security threats, drawing on its experience in counterterrorism operations.

Nigeria continues to face persistent attacks from insurgent groups in the north-east, particularly Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).