What’s your opinion on Iranian ambassador to Nigeria’s statement that Iran is ready to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism?

In a recent interview, the Iranian ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, stated that Iran was ready to support Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. This is coming at a time when Iran is currently at war with the United States and Israel. KINGSLEY ALUMONA sampled the opinions of some Nigerians on this matter. Their views:

Sani Gusau

There are many things we can learn from Iran. At least, Nigeria should learn missile technology or develop other hardware and software technologies to be independent in terms of security. We have learned from Iran that purchasing weapons could never depend on one’s country, but indigenously developed arsenals could.

Ebi Alagba

This is a joke taken too far in the war against terrorism. MOSSAD has accused Iran of having a hand in terrorism in the North. Now, Iran, which could not protect its own Supreme Leader, has offered to assist Nigeria. So what kind of support, specifically, could they offer Nigeria if they are also accused of supporting terror groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, etc.? The Gulf States do not want to have anything to do with Iran, and they opted for the United States for their protection against hostile, radical countries like Iran and Iraq.

Jamiu Abdulrahman

How daft can people be? You can invite a country that allegedly admits that terrorists in Nigeria are in their annual budget, but you think Iran cannot help fight those terrorists because you have been brainwashed into believing that Iran is sponsoring terrorists without evidence. America, which has been helping Nigeria and selling arms to the government to fight terrorism in the country since the beginning of days, where have they gotten us? Insecurity keeps increasing instead.

Muhammad Adamu

At this point, Nigeria needs all the support it could get from anyone willing to join the fight against terrorism. Iran could potentially be the real solution to our problems. Nigeria’s terrorism crisis is not external — it is internal, with fellow Nigerians killing Nigerians for decades. Iran has proven its ability to suppress internal aggressors, and this is exactly what Nigeria desperately needs. We need partners with experience in fighting and defeating internal conflicts, and I cannot think of any country better suited for this than Iran.

Sulaiman Ja’far

Iran does not have the same record of destabilising other countries as the United States and Israel. A US congressman even alleged that funds linked to USAID ended up supporting groups like Boko Haram and ISIL. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly bombarded cities such as Gaza and has been accused of fueling conflicts in different parts of the world. If countries with such controversial records can assist Nigeria in fighting terrorism, then there should be no reason to reject help from Iran.

Geoffrey Chukwumeziri

How would Iran fight the terrorism it allegedly sponsored? Or are they looking for a country that would fall with them? Are they going to support morally or militarily? Moral support from Iran has no justification, and military support, they do not have the capacity to offer. The physician should heal himself first. The Iranian ambassador is probably disconnected from home. Which government is he speaking for? He is despising and insulting Nigeria.

Prince Ken Nwa

Terrorism has lasted for over 20 years in Nigeria. Has Iran supported Nigeria with anything over the years? Given all the weapons they are producing, have they given the Nigerian government any type of ammunition or financial aid to fight terrorism? Because their terror-sponsoring agenda has now been exposed, they are out to deceive Nigerians and the world into believing that they want to help Nigeria to fight terrorism. Who do they think they are deceiving?

Muajeriah Brighton

We are looking at what is happening one way! Since 1979, when Iran came into being, it has sworn that the world would never have peace. Now, Trump is a different kind of leader and does not tolerate such terror. If the world could be free of the terror regime in Iran, denying them the capacity to have nuclear weapons is in order. Paying the heavy price of high energy costs for a few weeks or months is a fair price the world can pay in this regard. You can love or hate US President Trump, but one thing you can take away from him is that he is a straight arrow, and you always know where you stand with him.

Bitrus Mabur

Has Iran ever offered solution or condemned any terroristic action or killing in Nigeria? No. So, why now? When would the war with the US end to enable them to help Nigeria? I have many questions to ask Iran if they are clean to fight terrorist and terrorism.

Emeka Oduije

The Iranian ambassador’s statement offers promising support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. Given the complexities of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly Boko Haram and banditry, international cooperation is vital. Iran’s experience dealing with groups like ISIS could be beneficial. If this support translates into concrete actions like intelligence sharing, training, or resources, it could significantly bolster Nigeria’s efforts. However, diplomatic considerations and regional dynamics should be factored in. Overall, any support against terrorism is welcome, but transparency and coordination with regional bodies like ECOWAS are key.

Adebayo Adewale

The Iranian ambassador’s statement has sparked debate. While Iran’s offer of support against terrorism might seem positive, its history of involvement with groups like Hezbollah raises questions about its intentions. Nigeria needs genuine partnerships to tackle terrorism, not alliances with countries accused of sponsoring such activities. Iran should first address its own alleged support for terrorist organisations before offering help. Transparency and accountability are key in the fight against terrorism. Nigeria should prioritise collaborations with countries committed to these principles. The focus should be on effective, trustworthy partnerships to ensure regional security and stability.

Kabir Musa

It is a good idea, because, historically, Iran is neither imperialist nor invaders. All it’s struggling to do is to stand firm, use its available resources well, and resist oppressors. The Western world does not want this resilience. If you do not surrender to their ideologies, they would blackmail you through a different means or name, such as terrorism.

Musibau Ajao

The statement by the Iranian ambassador reflects a diplomatic gesture of cooperation, but Nigeria should approach such offers cautiously. While Iran says it is ready to share its counter-terrorism experience and help Nigeria tackle groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, international partnerships must always be evaluated based on Nigeria’s strategic interests and transparency. Nigeria already works with several global partners in security matters. So, any collaboration should be carefully assessed to ensure it strengthens national security without creating geopolitical complications. Ultimately, Nigeria must prioritise partnerships that respect its sovereignty, promote stability, and genuinely contribute to ending terrorism.

Akande Olusegun

Iran may have technological and military capabilities that could help Nigeria strengthen its fight against terrorism, particularly in areas such as intelligence, training, and equipment. However, such cooperation should be approached with caution. Iran has often been linked to groups involved in regional conflicts. So, Nigeria must carefully consider the diplomatic and security implications of any partnership with it. Given Nigeria’s already delicate religious and political standings, aligning too closely with any country perceived as ideologically extreme could deepen internal divisions. Any support should therefore be transparent, strategic, and clearly in Nigeria’s national interest.

Abdulmajid Hussein

Iran’s offer to support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism is noteworthy, but it must be approached cautiously. While any international cooperation to curb extremism is welcome, Nigeria must ensure such support aligns with its national security interests and sovereignty. It is crucial to carefully assess the type of assistance being offered, whether training, intelligence sharing, or equipment, and ensure transparency to avoid future complications. Ultimately, such collaborations should strengthen Nigeria’s capabilities without creating dependency or geopolitical entanglements. Genuine partnership, not influence, must guide this support or engagement.

Seun Odufowora

The Iranian ambassador’s statement on counter-terrorism concerning Nigeria should not be considered because Iran’s involvement in global conflicts raises concerns about allowing it to assist Nigeria in combating terrorism. Since the 1979 revolution, Iran has been accused by several governments of supporting militant groups and proxy forces across the Middle East to expand its political and ideological influence. Such a history suggests that external assistance from Iran could introduce ideological or geopolitical agendas rather than a purely stabilising support. Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts may therefore be better served by partners whose records focus strictly on security cooperation and neutrality.

Muhammad Medugu

Nigeria should work with Iran. One reason is that it has less interest in our natural resources, so they will work to eradicate the problem, since the inability to end terrorism in Nigeria has a relationship with natural resource interest.

Abubakar Bichi

Let us consider what is happening in Iran. We can say this is a very welcoming development, because Iran is not like the USA. I do not think there is a country that the USA has seriously intervened in to help them. Instead, they only seem to steal their resources.

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Justin Akpovi-Esade

Many terrorist groups operating in Nigeria are allegedly affiliated with Iran, where they allegedly get their funding from. The Iranian ambassador knows he could play on the intelligence of some Nigerians.

Surajudeen Abubakar

If Iran offers to help Nigeria in combating terrorism, it is a very good development, going by the fact that they are more technologically advanced than Nigeria. Before I proceed further, Iran is still a developing country. Hence, we must evaluate their offer critically and study the countermeasures that the Western world would impose on us for having military support with their foes. There are some relative advantages and disadvantages of such a support or agreement.