The Ulama Forum in Nigeria has strongly condemned what it described as an “undemocratic and risky” engagement between Nigeria and Israel on internal security, warning that such a move undermines national sovereignty and risks worsening the country’s insecurity.

In a statement jointly signed by its convener, Aminu Inuwa Muhammad, and secretary, Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, on Monday, the forum faulted the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, over reports linking her to a proposed security memorandum of understanding with Israel.

The forum said, “We are deeply concerned by what appears to be a unilateral and undemocratic posture of the Minister.

“At a time when the world of conscience is against Israel because of its genocide against the people of Palestine, the Minister in question is inviting Israeli authorities to ‘assist’ Nigeria in managing its internal security challenges.”

SolaceBase reports that the clerics argued that Nigeria should have aligned itself with South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), rather than seeking help from what they described as a “Zionist and genocidal state.”

“How on earth could a country that is battling for its own survival assist any other country that is even better off in terms of security issues? One cannot give what one does not have!” the statement read.

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The forum listed erosion of sovereignty, lack of accountability, and unsustainable foreign dependency as key dangers of relying on Israel for security support.

It insisted that internal security challenges require “homegrown solutions that prioritize community engagement, social cohesion, and inclusive governance.”

Mr. Muhammad said the forum believes Nigerian security forces are capable of handling the country’s challenges if adequately supported.

“We are positive that the Nigerian security personnel are up to the task, and if they need any assistance, it cannot be from a country that is increasingly stigmatized and isolated due to its flagrant disregard for international law and human rights,” he said.

The group urged the Federal Government to immediately “call to order the erring Minister” and to instead focus on strengthening national institutions, building trust between security agencies and citizens, and addressing poverty and corruption.

“Our conviction is that external interventions in our affairs would only exacerbate existing tensions, create new conflicts, and erode trust in local institutions,” Engr. Aliyu added.

The forum reaffirmed its support for Nigeria’s security agencies, while praying for Allah’s guidance and protection for them.