FG Begins Evacuation of Nigerians from Iran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the evacuation of its citizens from Iran as regional tensions escalate following military strikes in the Middle East.

The operation is coordinated by the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and overseen by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM). Evacuees are being escorted safely to the Armenian border, where arrangements have been made for their onward travel.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM’s Chairman and CEO, confirmed the development in a post on her X account, emphasizing that no Nigerian has been harmed amid the hostilities. “Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Iran to ensure safe passage. No Nigerian in Iran has been affected by the war, as our officials are at the border to receive everyone who wants to leave,” she said.

The evacuation comes in the wake of coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the region, raising concerns over a potential wider conflict.

Dabiri-Erewa assured Nigerians at home and abroad that officials remain stationed at key points to provide support and assistance to citizens choosing to depart, highlighting the government’s commitment to their safety.