Terror War: Nigerian Muslim Leaders, Others Issue Stern Warning To Netanyahu: Hands Off Nigeria
Some Nigerian Muslim leaders are pushing back against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer to help combat terrorism in their country. Netanyahu had vowed to join forces with US President Donald Trump to protect Christians facing persecution in Nigeria and other countries, but Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) sees this as hypocritical given Israel's actions against Palestinians.
The group finds it ironic that Netanyahu, accused of terrorism against Palestinians, wants to fight terrorists in Nigeria. They warn him to stay out of Nigeria's affairs, saying the country doesn't need his help. Other leaders echo this sentiment, questioning Netanyahu's motives and suggesting he's after Nigeria's mineral resources.
This controversy highlights Nigeria's complex security challenges and the delicate balance of international relations. While some welcome anti-terror aid, others see Israel's involvement as unwelcome interference, especially given its own human rights record.
The executive secretary of Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Professor Wole Abbas, in a chat with the media, said: “Netanyahu’s statement that he would join President Trump of America in fighting terrorism in Nigeria is unfortunate.
“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 same in Nigeria. I cannot understand what we are witnessing in the world now.
“Netanyahu is a criminal who should be arrested and prosecuted for genocide.”
MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, in a chat with Saturday Tribune, said: “Netanyahu’s statement that he would join President Trump of America in fighting terrorism in Nigeria is unfortunate.
“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 same in Nigeria. I cannot understand what we are witnessing in the world now.
“Netanyahu is a criminal who should be arrested and prosecuted for genocide.”
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has slammed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer to help protect Christians in Nigeria, saying the country doesn't need his help. Ahmad described any foreign military intervention, including potential airstrikes against terrorist groups, as unnecessary and a violation of Nigeria's sovereignty. He tweeted, "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 plan to join forces with the US to protect Christian communities in Nigeria and other countries, framing it as a global fight against radical Shiite groups and extremist Sunni movements. However, Ahmad saw this as an attempt to interfere in Nigeria's internal affairs, especially given Netanyahu's own genocide trial before an international court.
The controversy highlights Nigeria's complex security challenges and the delicate balance of international relations. While some see Israel's offer as a potential solution, others view it as a threat to national sovereignty.
Ahmad’s remarks underscore growing calls within Nigeria for solutions to insecurity that respect the country’s sovereignty while relying on domestic 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 claiming he would defend Christians in Nigeria.
Reacting to the statement, the PDP chieftain condemned it in its entirety, questioning the Israeli leader’s intention to defend Christians.
“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?
“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 have enough security challenges in the country; he should let the country focus on that,” Alhaji Aliyu added.
Also reacting, a Muslim leader in Sokoto, Mallam Umar Abubakar, said the Israeli Prime Minister is primarily after Nigeria’s mineral resources.
He called on the PM and other world leaders to support efforts by President Bola Tinubu in tackling insecurity, rather than using their words to provoke religious conflict.
According to him, “The PM has a hidden agenda behind his statement. What they are after is the mineral resources.
“They are only trying to create war among us so that they can penetrate us to exploit our resources. If they truly have the country’s interest at heart, they should talk to our President and see how they can support efforts to tackle the menace.
“The security situation in the country goes beyond religion. Just as attacks occur on churches, mosques are also targeted. We need their support to address insecurity, not to divide us further,” he added.