…Warns of civil war risk
The Executive Chairman of the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Disu Kamor, has alleged that the United States and Israel are pursuing a “divide and conquer” strategy aimed at destabilizing Nigeria by exploiting ethnic and religious tensions.
In a strongly-worded opinion article published yesterday, Kamor argued that foreign powers are increasingly amplifying separatist narratives and misinformation that could deepen divisions in the country and potentially trigger widespread conflict.
Central to the argument is the role of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group banned by Nigerian authorities and designated as a terrorist organization. Kamor alleged that narratives promoted internationally – particularly claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria – are being used to justify foreign sympathy and possible backing for separatist causes.
According to him, portraying Nigeria as a country persecuting Christians creates a framework that could encourage external actors to support separatist movements in the South-East. He warned that empowering such groups, either through political advocacy or material support, could reignite tensions reminiscent of the Nigerian Civil War of 1967–1970.
Kamor cautioned that any escalation of separatist agitation could not only destabilize Nigeria but also threaten peace and security across West Africa.
The MPAC chairman also criticized remarks reportedly made by Michael Freeman, the ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, regarding protests by members of Nigeria’s Shia Muslim community. Freeman had allegedly linked the protests and Iran-affiliated groups in Nigeria to a broader global terrorism network. Kamor described the comments as “reckless and inflammatory,” arguing that such statements risk aggravating religious tensions in an already fragile environment.
He maintained that issues relating to security and domestic religious disputes should be handled by Nigerian authorities, not foreign diplomats.
In the article, Kamor drew parallels with what he described as similar foreign policy strategies deployed by the United States and Israel in other regions. He referenced instances where separatist or rebel groups were reportedly supported in countries such as Iran, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nicaragua and Chile. According to him, these interventions often intensified internal conflicts and weakened national sovereignty, warning that similar dynamics could unfold in Nigeria if caution is not exercised.
Kamor urged the Nigerian government to take decisive steps to safeguard the country’s unity. Among his recommendations was the criminalization of actions by Nigerians—whether within the country or in the diaspora—who allegedly provide misleading information to foreign governments, lobby for external military intervention, or collaborate in activities capable of deepening ethnic and religious divisions.
He also called for diplomatic caution, suggesting that Nigeria should formally address what he described as overreaching comments by foreign envoys.
Concluding his article, Kamor stressed the importance of national unity and an independent foreign policy for Nigeria. He advised the government to maintain a non-aligned diplomatic stance that prioritizes the country’s internal stability above geo-political alliances. He warned that narratives capable of inflaming ethnic or religious fault lines must be resisted, noting that international partners perceived as allies today could pursue interests that undermine Nigeria’s stability in the future.
