The federal government has announced that it is finalising emergency evacuation plans for Nigerian citizens stranded in Israel and Iran, following the recent escalation of hostilities between the two nations.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Tuesday night, Nigerian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran are actively contacting affected citizens and coordinating efforts to ensure their safe return.
Nigerians in the affected regions have been urged to adhere strictly to local security protocols and to contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.
The ministry acknowledged the dedication of diplomatic staff in both countries and assured the public of the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.
It also noted ongoing collaboration with international partners and local authorities to ensure a timely and secure evacuation process.
The statement read in part: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.
“The Ministry commends the efforts made by our Missions in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Tehran, Iran, for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian community in these difficult times.
“We wish to assure the general public that the Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working in close coordination with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.”
Additionally, the Federal Government renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Iran, urging all parties to embrace dialogue, uphold international humanitarian law, and prioritise the protection of civilians. The ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its longstanding regional and global peace support.
“In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law, and prioritise the protection of civilians.
“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability,” the ministry added.
Further updates on the evacuation operation will be made available through official government channels.
On Friday, Israel launched a major air campaign targeting around 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear and military facilities, resulting in the deaths of several senior Iranian military leaders.
The strikes, one of the most significant escalations between the two countries in recent years, triggered widespread international reactions urging calm and diplomacy to prevent further conflict.
Among those killed were Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, described Israel’s wave of strikes as a “declaration of war”, warning Israel that it faced a “bitter and painful” fate as a consequence of the attacks. At the same time, the Iranian military stated there would be “no limits” to its response.
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