FG Approves Emergency Evacuation of Nigerians in Israel and Iran Amid Escalating Conflict
Nigeria launches emergency evacuation as conflict between Israel and Iran threatens civilian safety abroad.
Foreign Ministry engages embassies and partners to ensure swift and secure return of citizens.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated an emergency evacuation plan for its citizens currently residing in Israel and Iran, as tensions between the two Middle Eastern nations intensify. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made this known on Tuesday, June 17, through a statement by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The government’s move follows a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran. Israel had launched strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and military installations, resulting in the death of several high-ranking Iranian officials and civilians. In response, Iran vowed severe retaliation, with the confrontation raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Ebienfa confirmed that Nigerian embassies in both countries have been actively engaging with the Nigerian community to facilitate their safe evacuation. He also lauded the efforts of diplomatic personnel stationed in Tel Aviv and Tehran, acknowledging their swift response and continued support to citizens in distress.
“The federal government has finalized arrangements for the immediate evacuation of Nigerians stranded in both countries,” the statement read. “Our embassies have been in constant contact with citizens, ensuring that their safety and well-being are prioritized during this volatile period.”
The Ministry praised its staff for their dedication under challenging circumstances and reassured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its nationals abroad. Ebienfa added that Nigeria is collaborating with both international partners and local authorities in the affected regions to coordinate a secure and orderly evacuation process.
In light of the ongoing conflict, the Nigerian government renewed its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. It urged both Iran and Israel to embrace dialogue, adhere to international humanitarian laws, and ensure the protection of civilians.
The government emphasized that peace remains Nigeria’s foremost diplomatic principle, reaffirming its support for regional and global efforts aimed at achieving lasting stability through peaceful conflict resolution.
The conflict, which reignited on Friday, June 13, saw Israel launching a surprise attack on key Iranian military and nuclear sites. Notable casualties included senior Iranian military figures such as Mohammad Bagheri, the nation’s army chief, and Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Another victim was Major General Gholamali Rashid, who headed the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters.
These military leaders played central roles in Iran’s strategic defense programs, particularly its ballistic missile development. Their deaths marked a significant blow to Tehran’s military infrastructure and escalated the already tense relations between the two nations.
In retaliation, Iran confirmed it had launched over 300 drones and missiles targeting Israeli territories overnight. While Israel has promised further retaliatory action, officials in Tel Aviv indicated they were still evaluating the appropriate military response.
With global concern mounting over the possibility of a full-scale war, Nigeria’s proactive stance to protect its citizens has been widely seen as timely. The government’s response highlights its growing diplomatic agility and commitment to the welfare of its diaspora.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities in Abuja have reiterated their call for de-escalation, stressing that military confrontation only threatens the lives of innocent civilians and global peace.
Citizens in the affected regions have been advised to remain in close contact with Nigerian embassies and follow all instructions related to the evacuation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has promised to provide regular updates as operations progress.
