Iran has expressed willingness to help Nigeria fight terrorism, denying allegations of sponsoring extremist groups in West Africa.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV, Mahdavi Raja said Tehran is willing to cooperate with Nigeria in combating insurgent threats.
Raja stressed that Islamic groups in Nigeria maintain only spiritual and cultural links with Iran, not political ties.
His remarks came after Michael Freeman accused Iran of backing Islamic movements in Nigeria and across West Africa as part of efforts to spread terrorism globally.
Freeman’s claims followed protests by members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria across several states after the killing of Ali Khamenei in recent strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Tehran.
“We’ve seen Iran spreading terror. We’ve seen them developing a ballistic missile programme and a nuclear programme. Nigeria has been on the receiving end of terrorism from Iran,” Freeman said.
However, the IMN media forum dismissed the accusation, describing it as misleading and politically motivated.
Ammar Rajab said it was “inappropriate and unacceptable” for Israel to accuse others of terrorism, alleging that the claims could be part of “possible false-flag terrorism by the Israelis”.
‘We Are Also Victims of Terrorism’
Responding to the controversy, Raja said the rallies organised by Shi’ite groups in Nigeria were expressions of grief and solidarity following the death of Khamenei.
“After the assassination of our supreme leader, there have been peaceful rallies, funerals, and mourning occasions,” the envoy said.
“This does not mean Iran is defending those groups. It is a moral and spiritual connection because they are Muslims, and we are Muslims.”
Raja added that Iran has consistently condemned terrorism and remains open to assisting countries facing extremist violence.
He said Tehran is willing to share its counter-terrorism experience with Nigeria, which continues to battle insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province.
“We are ready to lend a helping hand. As an ambassador here, I tell Nigerian officials that we are ready to assist in combating terrorism,” Raja said.
He also insisted that Iran itself has suffered from terrorism and has repeatedly condemned attacks across Africa and other regions.
“We are victims, and we are ready to cooperate with African countries to combat terrorism, drawing from our experience,” the ambassador said.
