The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is taking steps to safeguard citizens living in the Middle East following the escalation of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the commission said Nigerian authorities are closely monitoring developments in the region.
According to the statement, the government has received inquiries from Nigerians in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran regarding possible evacuation plans.
“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 of Foreign Affairs and contact the emergency numbers provided by the ministry,” the statement read.
NiDCOM further reassured Nigerians abroad that their safety remains paramount.
“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,” it added.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also urged Nigerians in the Middle East — particularly those in Iran — to exercise heightened vigilance amid the rising tensions.
“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.
It warned citizens to avoid strategic and sensitive locations.
“Avoid areas known to be strategic, military, or government installations, as these could be potential flashpoints.”
The ministry reiterated that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain the government’s top priority and called on all parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions.
The security warning comes as the crisis in the region deepened, with drone strikes hitting the United States Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, days after coordinated US and Israeli attacks targeted Iran.
Saudi authorities described the attack as “heinous and unjustified,” while security operatives reportedly cordoned off the diplomatic quarter, restricting movement and blocking roads leading to the embassy.
Journalists in Gulf capitals, including Bahrain and Qatar, reported explosions and air raid sirens as Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes across the region.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards spokesman, Ali Mohammad Naini, warned that “the gates of hell will open more and more, moment by moment, upon the United States and Israel.”
The conflict escalated after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran in the early hours of Saturday. Iran responded with attacks on diplomatic and industrial targets across the Gulf.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, said he was “deeply shocked” by the toll of the conflict on civilians, while the UN nuclear watchdog reported that Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility appeared to have sustained “recent damage” based on satellite imagery.
Powerful explosions were also reported in Tehran as fighter jets flew over the capital. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump threatened further escalation.
The US State Department has urged Americans to “DEPART NOW” from countries and territories in the Middle East, citing serious safety risks.
As tensions continue to mount, governments across the region are preparing evacuation plans for their nationals, while Nigeria says it remains on standby to act should the situation deteriorate further.
