The State of Israel has clarified its proposed security intervention in Nigeria, stating that its support will be strictly collaborative and centred on high-level intelligence sharing.
Speaking in a recent interview with Arise TV in Abuja, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, addressed the international conversation sparked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement regarding a “new front” to protect persecuted communities. Ambassador Freeman emphasised that any action taken would be in full partnership with the Nigerian government and with total respect for the nation’s sovereignty.
“No Unilateral Action”
The Ambassador’s clarification comes amid mixed reactions to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent remarks in Florida, where he identified Nigeria as a key area where Christian communities face significant threats from radical groups.
Ambassador Freeman was quick to dispel concerns of a unilateral military presence. “This is about working with Nigeria, not against it,” he stated. “He [Netanyahu] emphasised the issue of intelligence sharing. That is the area where we will be looking to work with the Nigerian government to see where we can stop the attacks.”
Broad Security Cooperation
While the initial conversation focused on Christian communities, the Ambassador noted that Israel’s intelligence expertise is intended to curb violence affecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith. He pointed out that the threats from radical groups often target both Christians and Muslims across the country.
“Our interest is to work with Nigeria to stop all the violence in this country,” Freeman added. “We will be led and guided by the Nigerian government as to where we can work and where we can partner.”
A Strategic Ally in Counter-Terrorism
The proposed cooperation is expected to leverage Israel’s world-renowned expertise in:
- Surveillance Technology: Providing advanced data to track insurgent movements in the North and Middle Belt.
- Counter-Insurgency Tactics: Sharing field-tested strategies for protecting rural and vulnerable settlements.
- Anti-Radicalisation: Leveraging diplomatic and technological tools to disrupt terror financing and recruitment.
This development follows a series of high-level meetings between Israeli officials and Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, signalling a deepening of bilateral ties as Nigeria faces an increasingly complex security landscape in 2026.