By Muhammad Mamman
Israeli officials have alleged that Iran is supporting the Shi’ite movement led by Nigerian cleric Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, warning that Tehran is expanding its influence in Africa and using religious networks to destabilise countries such as Nigeria.
According to reports cited by Israeli media, the claim comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran following recent military confrontations in the Middle East. The report alleged that Tehran is backing groups sympathetic to its ideology, including members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), which is led by El-Zakzaky.
The movement, widely known as Nigeria’s Shi’ite organisation, has long maintained ideological ties with Iran and often stages demonstrations in solidarity with Tehran and other causes in the Middle East.
The allegation surfaced as members of the IMN organised protests across several Nigerian states following the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a joint United States–Israel military strike on Iran. Demonstrations were recorded in states including Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto and Niger, where protesters waved Iranian flags and chanted slogans condemning the attacks on Iran. 
Security agencies in Nigeria have also heightened monitoring of religious groups believed to have ideological links with Middle Eastern actors, warning that the escalating crisis between Iran, the United States and Israel could trigger tensions locally. The Inspector-General of Police said authorities were closely watching groups that “pay allegiance to the eastern part of the world” as part of intelligence-led security efforts. 
Despite the allegations, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria has defended its activities, insisting that its protests are peaceful demonstrations against what it calls aggression toward Muslim nations and Iran. The group maintains that it is exercising its right to express political and religious solidarity rather than engaging in violence. 
Nigeria’s government previously banned the IMN following deadly clashes between its members and security forces, though the movement continues to maintain a strong grassroots following in parts of northern Nigeria.
Analysts say the dispute reflects the broader geopolitical rivalry playing out between Iran and Israel, with fears that the confrontation could spill into regions far beyond the Middle East — including parts of Africa where religious and political loyalties intersect.
As tensions in the Middle East intensify, Nigerian authorities say they will remain vigilant to ensure that international conflicts do not inflame domestic security challenges.
