Prominent Muslim leaders and political voices in Nigeria have warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid involvement in Nigeria’s security crisis. The reaction follows his statement pledging to work with former U.S. President Donald Trump to protect Christians facing terrorist attacks in Nigeria.
What Triggered the Controversy
Netanyahu made the comments during a Christmas message to Christian Zionist supporters. He said Israel would open a “new front” to defend Christians allegedly facing persecution in countries including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.
The statement immediately drew backlash in Nigeria, where religious leaders and political figures described it as provocative, misleading, and a threat to national sovereignty.
Why Muslim Leaders Objected
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) described Netanyahu’s comments as deeply ironic. The group argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza undermine any moral authority to intervene elsewhere.
MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, said Nigeria does not need help from a leader facing global accusations over violence in Gaza. He described the offer as “unfortunate” and disconnected from Nigeria’s reality.
According to him, insecurity in Nigeria is complex and cannot be reduced to a religious conflict between Christians and Muslims.
Concerns About Sovereignty
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also rejected the idea of foreign military involvement. Writing on X, he warned that any external intervention, including airstrikes or direct military support, would violate Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Ahmad stressed that while Nigeria welcomes legitimate international cooperation, it must come through lawful and internationally sanctioned channels—not unilateral declarations by controversial foreign leaders.
He added that Nigeria’s security challenges should not be used to advance foreign political or ideological agendas.
Political Reaction From Northern Nigeria
In Sokoto State, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, dismissed Netanyahu’s claim that Christians are being targeted in Nigeria.
He questioned the basis of the statement and warned against framing Nigeria’s insecurity as a religious war. According to him, both churches and mosques have been attacked, proving the crisis affects all Nigerians.
Aliyu urged foreign leaders to avoid exploiting Nigeria’s silence or internal struggles for political messaging.
Fears of Hidden Motives
Some religious leaders went further, suggesting economic interests may be behind the comments.
Mallam Umar Abubakar, a Muslim leader in Sokoto, alleged that foreign powers often use security narratives to gain access to natural resources. He warned that such statements could inflame religious tensions and destabilize communities.
He called on world leaders to support Nigeria through diplomatic engagement with President Bola Tinubu, rather than making public remarks that risk deepening divisions.
Why This Matters for Nigeria
Nigeria’s insecurity cuts across religion, region, and ethnicity. Terrorist attacks have affected Christians, Muslims, and traditional communities alike.
By framing the crisis as religious persecution, critics argue Netanyahu’s statement oversimplifies the problem and risks fueling distrust between communities.
The strong response from Nigerian leaders reflects growing sensitivity around sovereignty, foreign interference, and religious balance.
The Bigger Picture
This episode shows how international comments can quickly escalate domestic tensions. It also highlights Nigeria’s insistence on handling its security challenges internally, with carefully coordinated international support.
For many Nigerians, the message is clear: help is welcome, but narratives that divide or undermine national unity are not.
