Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens from Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the evacuation of its citizens from Iran as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
According to officials from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigerians who are willing to leave Iran are currently being escorted across the land border into Armenia. The operation is being coordinated by staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, who are assisting citizens in safely exiting the country amid the ongoing hostilities.
The chairperson of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed the development in a statement shared on social media. She noted that Nigerian officials have been stationed at the border to receive evacuees and ensure they are safely processed before moving to secure locations.
“Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by officials of the Nigerian embassy in Iran for safe passage,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. She added that government officials remain on ground to assist those leaving the country.
The commission also confirmed that no Nigerian citizen in Iran has been reported injured or killed since the conflict began. Authorities say they are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with Nigerians still residing in the country.
The evacuation effort comes as the war in the region enters its second week, with heavy exchanges of military strikes reported between Iran and its adversaries. Reports from Iranian authorities indicate that more than 1,300 people have been killed since the start of the conflict, while over 12,000 others have sustained injuries.
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Iranian health officials said the victims include civilians of various age groups, ranging from infants to elderly citizens. Among those reportedly affected are women, children, and healthcare workers.
Meanwhile, authorities in Israel have also reported casualties from retaliatory attacks launched by Iran. According to Israel’s health ministry, at least 13 people have been killed and nearly 2,000 others injured following Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli territory.
The conflict has also extended beyond the two countries. In Lebanon, ongoing hostilities involving Israeli forces and the militant group Hezbollah have resulted in hundreds of deaths and widespread displacement. Lebanese authorities say more than 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes within the past week due to the escalating violence.
In the United States, Donald Trump commented on the conflict earlier this week, suggesting that the war could end soon, although he acknowledged that it might not happen immediately. Iranian officials, however, rejected the suggestion and insisted that the outcome of the war would ultimately be determined by Iran.
Speaking at a press conference, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the country would not consider discussions about a ceasefire while military attacks from the United States and Israel continue.
“We are on the eleventh day of military aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime. We did not start this war,” Baghaei said.
As the situation remains volatile, Nigerian authorities say the evacuation process will continue for citizens who wish to leave Iran. Officials are also coordinating with international partners and neighbouring countries to ensure safe exit routes remain available.
The Federal Government has urged Nigerians living in conflict-affected regions to remain in contact with Nigerian embassies and consulates, and to follow official advisories as the situation develops.
Emergency hotlines have also been released for Nigerians abroad who may require assistance during the crisis.
Government officials say the safety and welfare of Nigerian citizens overseas remain a top priority, particularly during periods of international instability and armed conflict.