IPOB reacts as lsraeli advisor calls for Biafra freedom, end to British influence in Nigeria
Israeli Advisor Calls for Biafra’s Independence, Critiques UK for Colonial Ties
An Israeli strategic advisor, Noga Arbel, has advocated for the independence of Biafra while criticizing the United Kingdom for its historical support of colonialism in Nigeria. Arbel made these remarks during a program broadcast on Israel’s Channel 14 television on August 14, 2026.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) responded to the broadcast, asserting it represented a formal endorsement of Biafra’s independence from Israel. The group characterized Arbel’s statements as a direct appeal for the UK to cease its support for what they termed “Nigerian colonialism.”
During the broadcast, Arbel, a former official with the Israeli Foreign Ministry, noted the recent outreach from the Igbo people of Biafra, describing it as a significant event. He emphasized that Biafra has been under Nigerian control for decades, with British support contributing to this situation. Arbel expressed gratitude that Britain no longer has a presence in Israel but lamented its role in Nigeria, claiming it has oppressed both Jews and Christians by supporting the Islamic government there. He urged that Israel should assist Biafra in regaining control over its territory.
Arbel also stated, “Even though Biafrans are welcomed in Israel, the state of Israel is hereby invited to call the British government and demand that they stop supporting Nigerian colonialism in Biafra and free the Jews and Christians of Biafra.”
Rachel Nwosu, IPOB’s representative in Israel, described this media appearance as the most significant breakthrough in Biafra’s diplomatic efforts. “Israel has spoken. The Jewish state, which understands the pain of subjugation, has now called on its government to stand with Biafra. Abuja should be terrified because Jerusalem is listening,” Nwosu remarked.
She added that the Channel 14 broadcast, which is considered Israel’s most influential conservative platform, did not merely address Biafra from an academic standpoint but issued a clear demand for Israeli intervention to recognize Biafra as a region under colonial occupation.
This broadcast followed a significant event in July 2026, when an IPOB delegation led by Mazi Chris Nwaogu met with members of the Knesset, Israel’s legislature. The delegation was received by Deputy Speaker Nissim Vaturi and Deputy Chairman Mrs. Limor Son Har-Melech, who expressed sympathy for Biafra’s plight and raised concerns over the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu has been in custody since 2021 and is currently serving a life sentence for terrorism-related charges brought by the Nigerian government.
In light of the Channel 14 broadcast, IPOB stated that an independent Biafra would provide a secure homeland for persecuted Judeo-Christians in Nigeria. They viewed Israel’s newfound acknowledgment of their cause as a turning point in the struggle against Nigerian oppression.
IPOB further claimed that, with Channel 14’s call for Israeli government action, the meetings in the Knesset transcend symbolic gestures, marking the start of a diplomatic campaign that could threaten Nigeria’s territorial integrity. They pointed out that an Israeli television network, connected to the country’s political leadership, has labeled Nigeria’s control over Biafra as “colonialism,” reinforcing the group’s narrative for independence.
This situation underscores a complex intersection of international relations and domestic challenges, with IPOB asserting that the historical and cultural claims of the Igbo people have received significant validation through this media attention.
