Nigeria’s federal government has issued an urgent travel advisory to its citizens living in or visiting Iran and surrounding Gulf nations, as military tensions in the Middle East reach a dangerous new peak.
The crisis erupted in the early hours of Saturday when the United States and Israel launched coordinated missile strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with retaliatory strikes targeting several Gulf countries, sending shockwaves across the region and raising fears of a broader conflict.
Reacting swiftly, Abuja said it is closely tracking the “evolving and volatile situation” and urged Nigerians in the affected areas to take their personal safety seriously.
“All Nigerians in Iran and affected Gulf countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The ministry warned citizens to steer clear of strategic locations, military bases, and government installations, describing such sites as potential flashpoints. Nigerians were also told to avoid large public gatherings and demonstrations, restrict non-essential movement, and comply strictly with all safety directives issued by local authorities in their host countries.
The government further cautioned citizens to rely only on credible news sources and official channels to avoid being misled by misinformation circulating amid the chaos.
Nigerian embassies and missions across the region — including in Tehran, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia — have been placed on high alert to provide consular support and facilitate communication with affected nationals.
Abuja also called on all parties to the conflict to step back from the brink. “The Government of Nigeria wishes to call on parties to the conflict to de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table for the interests of global peace and coexistence,” the statement read.
The ministry pledged to continue monitoring developments and issue further updates as the situation unfolds, reaffirming that the safety of Nigerians abroad remains the federal government’s top priority.
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