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The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to begin the emergency evacuation of its citizens currently residing in Israel and Iran, following escalating tensions and hostilities between the two Middle Eastern nations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. The statement outlined that arrangements were already in motion to safely extract Nigerians from both countries and assured that no citizen would be left behind in the unfolding crisis.
Ambassador Tuggar appealed to all Nigerian nationals living in Israel and Iran to strictly adhere to security advisories issued by local authorities and to maintain contact with the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate for registration and further instructions. He emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in both countries were actively working to safeguard the lives of Nigerians during this difficult period.
The minister also commended the Nigerian missions in Tel Aviv and Tehran for their commitment and swift response since the situation began to escalate. “Their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety and welfare of our compatriots in these volatile regions embody the true spirit of brotherhood and responsibility,” Tuggar stated.
He reiterated that the government was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the timely and safe evacuation of all Nigerian citizens in the affected areas. According to him, Nigeria’s diplomatic teams were working closely with relevant international organisations, foreign governments, and local security agencies to coordinate the logistics and security of the evacuation exercise.
“The Federal Government remains unwavering in its commitment to the protection of Nigerian lives and properties, both at home and abroad,” the minister said. “We are actively monitoring the situation and taking the necessary steps to guarantee the safe return of our citizens.”
While giving an update on the situation, the ministry urged Nigerians in the two countries to remain calm, vigilant, and abide by the instructions of security agencies and the Nigerian missions. Citizens were also advised to avoid unnecessary movements, stay indoors when possible, and keep emergency contact lines open as the evacuation plan progresses.
Ambassador Tuggar used the opportunity to call on both Israel and Iran to exercise restraint and work towards de-escalating the growing hostilities, which have now lasted seven days. He described the conflict as one that not only endangers the lives of citizens within both countries but also threatens regional peace and stability.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs joins other peace-loving nations and international bodies in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the pursuit of diplomatic dialogue to resolve the crisis. The use of force will only result in needless loss of lives and displacement of innocent civilians,” the minister appealed.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has drawn widespread international concern, with tensions spilling over into surrounding territories and heightening fears of a broader regional conflict. For Nigeria, which maintains sizeable diaspora communities in both countries, the latest crisis has raised serious concerns for the safety of its citizens, many of whom are students, businesspeople, and professionals.
Reports indicate that many Nigerians have already contacted the embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran, seeking information on the evacuation plans and temporary shelters. Both missions have since established emergency hotlines and temporary coordination centers to process registrations and attend to inquiries from distressed citizens.
According to diplomatic sources, evacuation options currently being explored include securing safe passages through neighbouring countries, airlifting vulnerable groups such as students, families, and senior citizens, and collaborating with international evacuation initiatives.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that talks with allied nations and international humanitarian organisations had been ongoing for days to secure airspace access and safety corridors for evacuation flights.
“We are working round the clock with our missions and international partners to finalise logistics and ensure a safe and orderly evacuation. It’s a delicate operation because of the volatile security situation, but the priority is the safety of every Nigerian,” the source said.
In a show of solidarity, the Nigerian government also extended prayers and goodwill to the people of Israel, Iran, and the international community, expressing hope that peace and stability would soon be restored in the region.
As the federal government intensifies preparations for the evacuation, Nigerians in Israel and Iran have been urged to stay connected with official government communication channels for verified information and updates on the evacuation exercise in the coming days.