The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has assured citizens that the Federal Government is taking steps to safeguard Nigerians residing in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said Nigerian authorities are closely monitoring developments following recent military exchanges involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to the commission, it has received enquiries from Nigerians in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran regarding possible evacuation plans should the situation deteriorate further.
“The fact of the matter is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all relevant agencies for appropriate steps, while appealing to Nigerians in the affected countries to follow the travel advice as issued by the Ministry,” the statement read.
“Nigerians in affected countries should be rest assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered.”
Travel Advisory Issued
Over the weekend, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Nigerians in Iran and other affected Gulf states to exercise heightened caution.
“All Nigerians in Iran and affected Gulf countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times,” the ministry said.
Citizens were advised to avoid military, strategic and government installations, which could become flashpoints in the conflict.
The government also reiterated that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority, while calling on all parties involved to de-escalate tensions.
Regional Escalation
The advisory follows a sharp escalation in hostilities after US and Israeli forces carried out strikes on Iranian targets. Iran subsequently retaliated with missile and drone attacks across parts of the Gulf.
In Saudi Arabia, drones struck the United States Embassy in Riyadh, causing visible smoke damage to sections of the building and prompting heightened security measures in the diplomatic quarter.
Explosions were also reported in Bahrain and Qatar, while Iran announced strikes on Israeli targets and on the US air base at Al-Udeid in Qatar. Qatari authorities said attempted attacks on key infrastructure were thwarted.
The conflict has triggered international concern, with governments moving to evacuate their nationals and the United States urging its citizens to depart several Middle Eastern countries due to what it described as “serious safety risks.”
As the crisis continues to unfold, Nigerian authorities say contingency plans remain in place should evacuation become necessary.
