The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has raised strong objections to Nigeria’s newly announced security partnership with Israel, warning that the deal could undermine the country’s sovereignty and entangle it in alleged human rights violations.
The communiqué, signed last week in Abuja between Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State of Israel, outlined frameworks for cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, security financing, and advanced training.
While government officials hailed the move as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, MPAC described the partnership as a “dangerous gamble” that risks compromising Nigeria’s independence and moral standing on the global stage.
Concerns Over Complicity
In a statement signed by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, MPAC argued that Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza, which has drawn international condemnation and proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), makes it an unsuitable partner.
“By contracting Israel for security assistance at a time when it stands accused of genocide, Nigeria risks becoming entangled in complicity,” the statement read. “What does it say of our nation when, instead of joining calls for accountability, we extend a hand of partnership to a state under investigation for mass atrocities?”
The group further warned that Israel’s security exports are often “tested on Palestinian civilians,” raising ethical questions about the tools and intelligence Nigeria might receive.
The “Myth” of Imported Security
MPAC also questioned the long-term value of outsourcing security. Citing examples from the Central African Republic, Mali, and Somalia, the organisation argued that foreign partnerships often foster dependency rather than sustainable solutions.
“Israel’s interests in Nigeria are not altruistic. They are commercial and geopolitical—seeking a foothold in Africa and new markets for surveillance and weapons,” the statement added.
Call for Homegrown Solutions
Instead of foreign reliance, MPAC urged the Nigerian government to focus on reforms within its own institutions, such as accountability in the armed forces, investment in local capacity, and community-based peace initiatives.
The group also recommended leveraging regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union to strengthen collective security efforts.
Demands to Government
The statement concluded with a series of calls to action, including:
- Making public all agreements with Israel for legislative and public scrutiny.
- Inserting human rights clauses into any security arrangement.
- Halting execution of agreements until ICJ proceedings against Israel are concluded.
- Recommitting Nigeria to its historical foreign policy of justice, sovereignty, and peace.
“Insecurity is indeed a national emergency. But desperation must not make us blind,” MPAC warned. “Nigeria must not sell its sovereignty, its dignity, and its moral voice for the false promise of imported safety.”
