The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has said Israel’s proposed support for the protection of Christian communities in Nigeria will be based on intelligence sharing and close cooperation with the Nigerian government, not unilateral military action.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Monday, Freeman addressed international reactions to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent declaration of an “eighth front” against radical Islamist violence. He stressed that the initiative is aimed at supporting persecuted communities worldwide while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“What Prime Minister Netanyahu said was very clear. He wants to ensure that all those who are persecuted around the world, including Christians, are supported—not only in Nigeria,” Freeman said.
“This is about working with Nigeria, not against Nigeria. It is about partnership and alliance.”
The ambassador explained that intelligence sharing would be the core of any collaboration, with the goal of curbing violence affecting all Nigerians, regardless of faith.
“He emphasised intelligence sharing and cooperation in that area. That is where we would look to work with the Nigerian government to stop attacks against Christians, Muslims and all Nigerians,” Freeman said.
“Our interest is to help stop violence in Nigeria as a whole. We would be guided by the Nigerian government on where and how to partner, because this is about working with an ally to address insecurity comprehensively.”
On whether formal diplomatic engagement had already begun with President Bola Tinubu’s administration following Netanyahu’s remarks, Freeman declined to provide details, citing the sensitive nature of security matters.
“Any communication behind the scenes will remain behind the scenes. When intelligence is involved, it is not something you discuss publicly, as that would defeat the purpose,” he said.
Freeman also rejected claims that Israel’s move was driven by geopolitical ambitions, pointing instead to Israel’s domestic record on religious freedom.
“The Prime Minister spoke about Christians globally, not only in Nigeria. Israel is the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population is growing, thriving and enjoying full freedom of worship,” he said.
Netanyahu had announced the “new front” in Florida following meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump and other senior officials, during discussions on Gaza, the West Bank, and regional tensions involving Iran and Hezbollah, according to reports by The Times of Israel.
Israel’s comments come amid reports of U.S. airstrikes against terrorist groups in northwest Nigeria on Christmas Day, following earlier statements by Trump on possible military intervention to address alleged persecution of Christians in the country.
