FG To Evacuate Nigerians From Israel And Iran As Conflict Escalates

As tensions between Israel and Iran spiral into full-blown conflict, the Federal government says it is making urgent plans to evacuate Nigerians caught in the crossfire.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that arrangements are being finalized to safely evacuate citizens stranded in both countries.

The Ministry, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged affected Nigerians to contact the nearest Nigerian embassy or diplomatic mission for registration and to follow all local safety guidelines.

Nigerian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran have already begun reaching out to citizens, and the Ministry commended their proactive efforts in assisting the Nigerian community during this dangerous period.

The Ministry say the evacuation effort is being coordinated with both local authorities and international partners to ensure the process is carried out safely and efficiently.

It also urged all parties involved to pursue peaceful dialogue, respect international humanitarian law, and prioritize the safety of civilians.

The statement partly reads, “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 finalizing arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.

“All affected Nigerian citizens are 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 of our Missions in Tel Aviv and Tehran for their dedication and commitment to reaching out to the Nigerian community during these difficult times.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to the safety and welfare of all its citizens, both at home and abroad, and is working closely with relevant international partners and local authorities to ensure the timely and secure evacuation of Nigerians in affected areas.

“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 prioritize 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.

“Further updates will be provided through official channels as evacuation efforts progress.”

Last Friday, Israel launched a major air assault on Iranian territory, hitting close to 100 targets, including military and nuclear sites.

The attacks reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials, among them General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer, and IRGC commander Hossein Salami.

Iran Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described the Israeli strikes as a “declaration of war” and warned of painful consequences, woung that its retaliation would know “no limits.”

With tensions at a boiling point and the threat of wider war looming, countries around the world—including Nigeria—are racing to get their citizens out of harm’s way.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Donald Trump claimed the U.S. knows the exact whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but is choosing not to kill him for now.