The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has characterized the security agreement signed between the Nigerian Federal Government and the State of Israel as significant and strategic. On August 20354, 2025, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegau-Ojukwu, signed the pact with Israeli Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Sharren Haskel-Harpaz. Luka Binniyat, the MBF spokesperson, remarked in a statement on Friday that “this agreement is historic and strategic.” This marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s lengthy fight against terrorism, banditry, and various violent crimes that have disrupted our nation for more than fifteen years. MBF, representing the ethnic groups located in 14 states of the Middle Belt and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), expressed complete and unwavering support for the initiative. Nevertheless, the organization noted, “Sadly, though not surprising, this prudent and bold action by the Federal Government has faced opposition from certain sectors.” Binniyat reported that on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, several Muslim leaders in Ibadan held a peaceful protest against the security relationship between Nigeria and Israel. He mentioned that this demonstration was organized by the Ibadan faction of Aqsah Nigeria and featured notable Islamic leaders such as Dr. Dawud Amoo-Alaga, Sheikh Abdulwaheed Abdul Hamid, Sheikh Abdul Fatah Sanni, Sheikh Dhikrullah Shafii, and Prof Ishaq Akintola, the Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), among others. The protesters expressed their concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the high civilian death toll, destruction of infrastructure, and starvation, which motivated their opposition to a military agreement with Israel. Binniyat also voiced his worries regarding Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s unsubstantiated claims following the agreement’s signing, stating that Mossad has allegedly targeted certain Muslim clerics in Nigeria for assassination, labeling this as “dangerous fear mongering.” It’s possible that Sheikh Gumi is feeling anxious because Israel’s intelligence might be more informed about his activities than the Saudis, who have already prohibited him from entering Mecca and expelled him during the last Hajj. MBF emphasized that only those with hidden issues should be concerned about Mossad, clarifying that the agreement is unrelated to religion. He further stated that it does not pertain to the conflict involving Israel, Hamas, or other Middle Eastern groups. Instead, he described it as a decision made purely for security reasons, aimed at protecting Christians, Muslims, and individuals of all faiths from threats to their freedoms, peace, and the survival of Nigeria. The statement expressed that Nigeria cannot continue to endure ongoing violence, kidnappings, and economic decline while refusing help and collaboration with partners who have effectively fought terrorism. MBF pointed out that since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has resulted in the deaths of over 35,000 Nigerians and displaced more than two million people. According to reports, rural banditry in the North-West region resulted in approximately 12,354 deaths in 2021. Additionally, it has been estimated that Nigeria experienced around one million kidnappings from May 2015 to April 2024, with families paying a staggering N2.2 trillion in ransom based on various sources. Furthermore, in the Sahelian North West, numerous villages have been raided, and many continue to be held by armed Fulani bandits. Throughout the Middle Belt, numerous communities have been devastated, with their territories taken over by terrorists and armed Fulani bandits.
