Some Muslim leaders in Nigeria have asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid Nigeria following his statement pledging to join U.S. President Donald Trump in combating attacks on Christians in the country.
Netanyahu, in a Christmas message to Christian Zionist supporters, said Israel would open a “new front” to protect Christians facing persecution in countries including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.
The Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) described the statement as ironic, noting that Netanyahu is involved in attacks on Palestinians. MUSWEN Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, said Netanyahu’s claim to fight terrorism in Nigeria is unfortunate and criticized his actions in Gaza as “almost worse than terrorism,” calling him a criminal wanted by international authorities.
Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad also dismissed Netanyahu’s declaration, calling any foreign military intervention in Nigeria unnecessary and a violation of national sovereignty. He stressed that Nigeria welcomes legitimate support to tackle insecurity but not from individuals facing genocide trials.
Alhaji Kabiru Aliyu, a PDP chieftain in Sokoto State, questioned Netanyahu’s intention to defend Christians in Nigeria, noting the religious and cultural differences. Mallam Umar Abubakar, a Muslim leader in Sokoto, said Netanyahu is likely pursuing Nigeria’s mineral resources and warned that such statements could create religious tension.
The leaders urged that international assistance for Nigeria’s security should be coordinated with the government, emphasizing that attacks target both churches and mosques, and solutions must focus on national security rather than dividing communities.
