Muslim leaders warn Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu against involving himself in Nigeria’s affairs

Some Muslim leaders in Nigeria have cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against involving himself in the country’s affairs, following his statement that Israel would join the United States in protecting Christians from attacks in Nigeria.

Netanyahu made the remark in a Christmas Day message to Christian Zionist supporters, declaring that Israel would open a new front to defend Christians facing persecution in countries including Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, and Turkey.

Reacting on Friday, the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN) criticized the Israeli leader’s comments, describing them as “ironic” given Israel’s actions in Palestine.

MUSWEN’s Executive Secretary, Professor Wole Abbas, said, “Netanyahu’s statement that he would join President Trump in fighting terrorism in Nigeria is unfortunate. What he has done to Palestinians in Gaza is almost worse than terrorism. He has been declared wanted by the International Court of Justice. Yet he continues to commit acts of genocide in Gaza and now wants to intervene in Nigeria. This is unacceptable.”

A former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, also rejected Netanyahu’s offer of support, writing on X that any foreign military action in Nigeria—including airstrikes—would be unnecessary and a violation of the country’s sovereignty.