Surprises as Nigeria expands bilateral engagement with Israel amidst allegations of global disburses against Tel Aviv

By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Abuja

Israel, the only country in the Middle East with nuclear power and unilateral gut to break international laws, rules and protocols without remorse, has been widely reported and indicated by United Nations as perpetrator of genocide against innocent men, and defenceless women and children of Gaza in the State of Palestine fully and openly supported with military equipment supplies by America.

Despite globally acknowledged allegations that Israel, backed by United States of America, being the cause of global conflicts especially in the Middle East, the Tinubu’s government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has gone ahead to expand engagement with the Benjamin Netanyahu-led country across what Abuja calls security and key sectors.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu confirmed the expansion of bilateral engagement with the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing cooperation in security, healthcare, technology, and economic development as key priorities.

The renewed commitment was reiterated on Monday, March 2, 2026, during a courtesy visit by Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said discussions covered defence and intelligence cooperation, economic partnerships, consular matters, religious tourism, and broader bilateral and multilateral relations.

According to a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, both sides emphasized the need to strengthen institutional frameworks, including operationalising the Nigeria–Israel Joint Commission.

Security cooperation featured prominently in the talks. Nigerian officials indicated interest in leveraging Israeli expertise in border security management as the country intensifies efforts to address insurgency, terrorism, and cross-border crimes. Both parties described terrorism and insecurity as global challenges requiring coordinated international responses.

Israel also pledged to donate approximately 60 fully equipped ambulances to support Nigeria’s emergency response infrastructure. Odumegwu-Ojukwu described the gesture as timely, noting the country’s need to strengthen first-responder systems and emergency medical services.

The renewed engagement follows a Political Dialogue held in Abuja on August 11, 2025, between Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel. That meeting focused on counter-terrorism cooperation, intelligence sharing, surveillance financing, and security training.

Nigeria’s outreach to Israel comes as Abuja broadens its security partnerships with other countries, including the United States and Turkey, as part of a wider strategy to modernise defence capabilities and diversify international cooperation.

Observers say Nigeria’s expanding network of security agreements reflects both the urgency of its domestic security challenges and a pragmatic approach to foreign policy. They note, however, that the long-term impact of such partnerships will depend on effective implementation, institutional reforms, and sustained coordination among stakeholders.

The minister also welcomed Israel’s pledge to donate about 60 fully equipped ambulances, describing the gesture as timely given Nigeria’s emergency response challenges.

“These kinds of initiatives are very significant because we have challenges regarding first responders. For me, this is just the beginning of integrating an ambulance culture in Nigeria,” she said.

The talks come as Nigeria expands security cooperation with key partners, including the United States and Turkey, as part of efforts to modernise its defence capabilities.

Abuja has strengthened counter-terrorism coordination with Washington while deepening drone and military procurement partnerships with Ankara.

Analysts say Nigeria’s growing network of security agreements reflects both urgency and strategic diversification.

While these partnerships signal stronger international backing, their impact will depend on effective implementation and sustained institutional reform as Nigeria confronts complex security challenges.”

Those who expressed surprises over the development said Tinubu’s government should always act away from signing pact on behalf of Nigerians with nations soaked with unresolved allegations especially as they affect terrorism backing, anti-democracy and injustice to others.

Israel, the only country in the Middle East with nuclear power and unilateral gut to break international laws, rules and protocols without remorse, has been widely reported and indicated by United Nations as perpetrator of genocide against innocent men, and defenceless women and children of Gaza in the State of Palestine fully and openly supported with military equipment supplies by America.