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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has said there was no denying the fact that Iran sponsors terrorism around the world, including Nigeria, saying that Iran’s record speaks for Itself.
Freeman, in a statement issued in Abuja, said in recent days, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi-Raja, has publicly denied that Iran sponsors terrorism around the world, including in Nigeria.
Freeman stated that unfortunately, the facts tell a very different story.
“For decades, Iran has been widely identified as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, providing funding, weapons, training and strategic direction to terrorist organizations such as Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis. These groups have carried out attacks against civilians and destabilized entire regions,” Freeman said.
The Israeli envoy further said Iran’s terror activities were not confined to the Middle East.
According to Freeman, “Iranian-backed operatives and networks have been linked to attacks and plots across the globe — from Argentina and Bulgaria to Australia and the United Kingdom.
“Following the October 7 massacre carried out by Hamas against Israeli civilians, Iranian leaders publicly praised the attack and called for further acts of violence against Israel.
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“Nigeria itself has not been immune to Iranian-linked activities.
“In 2010, Nigerian authorities intercepted a shipment of Iranian weapons at Apapa Port in Lagos, hidden in containers and destined for terrorist groups in West Africa.
“In 2013, Nigerian security forces uncovered a Hezbollah-linked terrorist cell and weapons cache, with arrests made in Abuja and Kano. Authorities stated that the weapons were intended for attacks on Israeli and Western targets in Nigeria.
“Iran has also provided backing to the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN). Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, met with Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky and described him as “an example of a real mujahid (Islamic fighter)” while encouraging him “to continue your fight.”
“Some security studies and intelligence reports say Nigerian Shiite recruits have been sent to Hezbollah training camps, particularly in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.”
Freeman further said: “The Iranian regime can make as many statements as they like, and appear on as many television channels as they want. But facts speak louder than words. And the fact is that Iran is the world’s largest sponsor of terrorism and has backed the Islamic Movement of Nigeria for years.”
Freeman also said the Embassy of Israel in Nigeria believed it was important to confront misinformation with facts.
“Terrorism threatens the security and stability of nations across the world, including here in Nigeria,” Freeman concluded.
