Charles Esther
- The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has sharply criticised Nigeria’s newly announced security agreement with Israel, warning that the deal threatens national sovereignty and exposes the country to legal and ethical risks.
MoU Raises Concerns on Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Sharing
The agreement, signed between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State of Israel, reportedly covers counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, security financing, and tactical training. MPAC described the pact as a “dangerous gamble” that could undermine Nigeria’s international reputation.
Linking Partnership to Gaza War Crimes Allegations
Citing ongoing genocide proceedings against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), MPAC questioned the morality of aligning with a country facing accusations of mass civilian atrocities in Gaza. The organisation warned that Nigeria could be drawn into breaches of international humanitarian law through Israeli tactics and technologies.
Risk of Complicity in Human Rights Violations
According to MPAC, allowing Israeli security operatives into Nigeria’s framework could make the country complicit in alleged crimes against humanity. The group also accused Israel of manipulating intelligence for political gain, raising fears about how such practices could play out in Nigeria’s fragile security environment.
Call for Homegrown Security Solutions
Rejecting reliance on foreign powers, MPAC urged Nigeria to strengthen its own institutions. It recommended security sector reforms, accountability measures, socio-economic interventions, and cooperation with African and multilateral bodies instead of outsourcing to external actors.
Doubts on Israel’s Security Effectiveness
The group further argued that Israel’s track record does not justify confidence in its systems, referencing the October 2023 Hamas incursion and the April 2025 Iranian missile strike on Tel Aviv as proof of vulnerabilities.
Demand for Transparency and Suspension of Pact
MPAC called on the Federal Government to disclose full details of the deal and subject it to parliamentary and civil society scrutiny. It demanded that the agreement be suspended until the conclusion of ongoing international legal cases against Israel.
Upholding Nigeria’s Foreign Policy Tradition
Reaffirming Nigeria’s historic support for oppressed peoples, particularly Palestinians, MPAC urged the government to return to principles of justice, peace, and solidarity. “To outsource our security to a foreign power facing genocide charges is not a solution; it is a betrayal,” MPAC Chairman Disu Kamor stated.
David Awoyode