…Warn Against Foreign Interference
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Some Nigerian Muslim leaders have pushed back against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s offer to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism, describing the move as hypocritical and an unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs
Netanyahu had reportedly vowed to join forces with former United States President Donald Trump to protect Christians facing persecution in Nigeria and other parts of the world. However, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) has strongly criticised the proposal, citing Israel’s actions against Palestinians as inconsistent with such a stance.
MUSWEN described it as ironic that Netanyahu, whom the group accused of perpetrating violence against Palestinians, would present himself as a partner in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. The organisation warned the Israeli leader to stay out of Nigeria’s affairs, insisting that the country does not require his intervention.
Speaking with journalists, the Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Wole Abbas, described Netanyahu’s statement as “unfortunate.”
“Netanyahu’s statement that he would join President Trump of America in fighting terrorism in Nigeria is unfortunate,” Abbas said.
“What he has done to Palestinians in Gaza is almost worse than terrorism. This is a person who has been declared wanted by the world court. He still engages in genocide in Gaza and wants to help solve the same problem in Nigeria. I cannot understand what we are witnessing in the world today.
“Netanyahu is a criminal who should be arrested and prosecuted for genocide,” he added.
Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also condemned Netanyahu’s offer, stating that Nigeria does not need such assistance. Ahmad described any form of foreign military intervention, including potential airstrikes against terrorist groups, as unnecessary and a violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
In a post on social media, Ahmad said: “Nigeria doesn’t need your help. We welcome legitimate support to tackle security challenges, but certainly not from individuals facing ongoing genocide trials before an international court.”
Netanyahu had announced Israel’s intention to collaborate with the United States to protect Christian communities in Nigeria and other countries, framing the initiative as part of a global fight against radical Shiite groups and extremist Sunni movements. Ahmad, however, viewed the statement as an attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs, particularly given Netanyahu’s ongoing legal challenges at the international level.
The controversy underscores Nigeria’s complex security challenges and the delicate balance required in managing international relations. While some observers see foreign assistance as potentially helpful, others regard Israel’s involvement as a threat to national sovereignty.
Ahmad’s remarks reflect growing calls within Nigeria for solutions to insecurity that respect the country’s independence while relying on domestic efforts and internationally sanctioned support.
In the same vein, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto State, Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, condemned the statement attributed to the Israeli Prime Minister, questioning his claim of defending Christians in Nigeria.
Reacting to the remarks, Aliyu dismissed them entirely, querying Netanyahu’s intentions.
“I am sure he is not serious. Firstly, where are Christians being persecuted in Nigeria? Also, at what time did he become a Christian that he wants to defend their interests?” he asked.
He added that Netanyahu’s religious background further weakened his claim.
“It is a known fact that he is a Jew, and the difference between a Jew and a Christian is wider than the difference between a Christian and a Muslim.
“He should not take the silence of Nigeria for weakness. We already have enough security challenges in the country; he should allow Nigeria to focus on addressing them,” Aliyu said.
Similarly, a Muslim leader in Sokoto, Mallam Umar Abubakar, alleged that the Israeli Prime Minister’s interest in Nigeria was driven by the country’s mineral resources.
He called on Netanyahu and other global leaders to support the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in addressing insecurity, rather than making statements capable of inflaming religious tensions.
According to Abubakar, “The Prime Minister has a hidden agenda behind his statement. What they are after is our mineral resources.
“They are trying to create conflict among us so that they can penetrate the country and exploit its resources. If they truly have Nigeria’s interest at heart, they should engage our President and explore ways to support efforts to tackle insecurity.
“The security situation in Nigeria goes beyond religion. Just as churches are attacked, mosques are also targeted. What we need is genuine support to address insecurity, not actions that will further divide us,” he said.
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