Terrorism: Iran Sends Important Message to Nigeria Amidst War with Israel and US

Terrorism: Iran Sends Important Message to Nigeria Amidst War with Israel and US

  • Iran pledged its readiness to support Nigeria in tackling terrorism as the country grapples with insecurity
  • Its ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, stressed Iran’s solidarity with Nigeria against threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP
  • Raja also debunked Israel's claims that Iran was involved in terrorism and described them as attempts to weaken Nigeria-Iran relations

Iran’s ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, has stated that the country is prepared to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism.

In an AriseTV interview on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the ambassador emphasised Iran’s commitment to working with governments facing security threats.

Iran's ambassador, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, says the country is ready to help Nigeria tackle Boko Haram and other threats as President Bola Tinubu's government comes under rising scrutiny over insecurity.
Iran supports Nigeria in combating terrorism and strengthening bilateral relations as President Bola Tinubu's government faces pressure over rising insecurity. Photo credit: Anadolu/TomMolina/Getty
Source: Getty Images
“Iran condemns terrorism of any kind and expresses readiness to cooperate with governments facing it. Nigeria faces security challenges from Boko Haram and ISWAP; we're ready to support the government in combating terrorism. As a victim of terrorism, we condemn it in Nigeria,” he said.

Below is the interview video on X

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Nigeria’s security challenges

Nigeria continues to grapple with insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, which have destabilised communities and caused widespread insecurity.

The ambassador’s remarks highlight Iran’s willingness to provide assistance as Nigeria seeks stronger international partnerships to address these threats.

Iran responds to Israeli allegations

Ambassador Raja also addressed claims made by the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, who alleged that Iran sponsors terrorism in the country. He dismissed the accusations as an attempt to weaken Nigeria-Iran relations, which have lasted for more than six decades.

“Claims by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria that Iran sponsors terrorism in Nigeria aim to undermine Nigeria-Iran relations, which span over 6 decades. Iran respects Nigeria's sovereignty and security, valuing its relations with the government and people. Israel on the other hand have sponsored terrorism and assassination in other countries, such accusation is a distraction from this fact,” he stated.

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See the X video below:

Longstanding Nigeria-Iran Relations

Nigeria and Iran share a longstanding relationship that has spanned more than six decades, built on mutual respect and cooperation. Over the years, the two nations have engaged in partnerships across trade, culture, and security, strengthening ties that reflect shared values and interests.

Iran has consistently emphasised its respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and security, positioning itself as a supportive partner in addressing challenges such as terrorism. This enduring relationship highlights the importance both countries place on diplomacy, collaboration, and maintaining strong bilateral connections despite external pressures or criticism. Their bond remains a cornerstone of international engagement in West Africa.

Iran's ambassador, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, counters the claim by Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israel that the country is sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.
Iran's ambassador, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, rejects claims by Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israeli government that it is behind terrorism in Nigeria. Photo credit: Gil Cohen-Magen/Getty
Source: Getty Images

How to survive dangerous missile attack

Legit.ng earlier spotlighted the Middle East after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a joint US and Israeli attack in February 2026.

The strike triggered a wave of retaliation from Iran, which launched missiles and drones across the region, targeting Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Lebanon’s Iran-backed Shia Muslim militia group, Hezbollah, joined the conflict by firing rockets into Israel from its bases in Lebanon. Israel responded with strikes on Hezbollah targets inside Lebanon, further escalating tensions.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Basit Jamiu avatar

Basit Jamiu (Current Affairs and Politics Editor) Basit Jamiu is an AFP-certified journalist. He is a current affairs and politics editor at Legit.ng. He holds a bachelor's degree from Nasarawa State University (2023). Basit previously worked as a staff writer at Ikeja Bird (2022), Associate Editor at Prime Progress (2022). He is a 2025 CRA Grantee, 2024 Open Climate Fellow (West Africa), 2023 MTN Media Fellow. Email: basitjamiu1st@gmail.com and basit.jamiu@corp.legit.ng.

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