Abuja – The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a safety advisory to Nigerians residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries following escalating military actions in the Middle East.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving and volatile security situation in the region. The advisory follows reports of military strikes allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran, as well as retaliatory actions by Iran on locations in some Gulf states.
Amid rising tensions and the possibility of further escalation, the Ministry urged Nigerian citizens in the affected areas to exercise extreme caution and prioritize their safety.
The government advised Nigerians to remain constantly vigilant and aware of their surroundings, particularly avoiding strategic locations such as military and government installations that may become flashpoints.
Citizens were also strongly encouraged to limit non-essential travel and movement within their host countries until the security situation stabilizes. The advisory further warned against attending large gatherings or public demonstrations.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of complying strictly with security and safety directives issued by local authorities, noting that cooperation with law enforcement agencies is critical for personal safety during periods of heightened tension.
Nigerians in the affected countries were urged to stay informed through credible local and international news platforms while remaining cautious of misinformation. The government stressed reliance on official communication channels for accurate and timely updates.
Additionally, the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, along with missions in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have been placed on high alert to provide necessary consular assistance and facilitate communication with citizens.
The Ministry assured that it will continue to assess developments and provide updates as necessary, reiterating that the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority of the Federal Government.
Nigeria also called on all parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue in the interest of global peace, stability, and peaceful coexistence.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, ANIPR, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.