REPORT: Iran war could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges
Prof. Chukwuma Okoli of the Federal University of Lafia, says the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges.
Okoli said the conflict may have regional and global implications if it persists, noting that the violence has already disrupted global oil supply and triggered a rise in oil prices.
Okoli said the crisis could pose three major security threats to Nigeria including possible terror attacks by groups linked to Iranian Islamists, increased religious tensions between Christians and Muslims, and the influx of illicit arms.
He said some extremist groups operating in Nigeria have alleged links with organisations connected to Iran. Okoli also cited suspected ties between Iran and the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), warning that militants sympathetic to Iran may target western interests in Nigeria.
Okoli said security around the United States Embassy in Abuja and other western assets has already been heightened.
He said protests linked to the Shia movement have taken place in Kaduna State, Kano State, Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, adding that the conflict could also intensify religious tensions in Nigeria.
He said the country’s population is almost evenly divided between Christians and Muslims, making it vulnerable to sectarian tensions.
Okoli said protests organised by groups affiliated with the Islamic Movement in Nigeria could escalate into violent confrontations, adding that the conflict may also increase the flow of illegal arms into Nigeria.
The professor said authorities have previously accused Iran of shipping arms into the country, warning that extremist groups could use networks across the Sahel to move weapons into Nigeria.
Okoli urged Nigeria’s security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering and border control, monitor security developments closely and prevent the inflow of arms and militants.
He also advised Nigerians to avoid actions capable of triggering ethnic or religious violence, stressing that citizens must conduct themselves in ways that promote peace and stability.
