Some Muslim leaders in Nigeria have strongly cautioned Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, against making comments or taking actions that suggest interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The warning followed statements credited to the Israeli leader on Israel’s alleged intention to get involved in security matters concerning Nigeria.
According to the leaders, Nigeria remains a sovereign nation with its own institutions and security framework.
They stressed that no foreign country has the right to impose itself under the guise of protecting any religious group within the country.
The reaction came after Netanyahu reportedly told Christian Zionist supporters during a Christmas Day message that Israel would stand with the United States to confront attacks on Christians.
He listed Nigeria among countries where, according to him, Christians were facing persecution. Other countries mentioned included Syria, Lebanon and Turkey.
Responding to the comments, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) expressed strong displeasure. The group described Netanyahu’s remarks as disturbing and misplaced.
According to MUSWEN, it was contradictory for the Israeli leader to speak about terrorism in Nigeria while being accused globally of violence against Palestinians.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, criticised Netanyahu’s posture and questioned his moral standing on issues of terrorism and human rights.
“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 International Court of Justice.
“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 warned that such comments could inflame religious tensions in Nigeria, a country already grappling with complex security challenges. The group urged foreign leaders to exercise restraint and avoid statements capable of worsening fragile peace efforts.
The criticism was not limited to religious groups. A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also dismissed the idea of foreign military involvement in Nigeria.
He maintained that Nigeria does not require external forces to handle its security challenges.
Writing on X, Ahmad said any form of foreign military action, including airstrikes, would amount to an infringement on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He added that security matters within the country should remain the responsibility of Nigerian authorities.