FG moves to evacuate Nigerians as Middle East crisis escalates

The Federal Government has begun arrangements for the evacuation of Nigerian citizens affected by the worsening security situation across parts of the Middle East, following a surge in military hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said administrative processes and funding approvals are currently being finalised to enable the evacuation exercise, as concerns mount over the safety of Nigerians stranded in several countries across the region.

Kimiebi Ebienfa, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that the Government is working to conclude necessary logistics.

“The Government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” he said.

The move comes amid heightened tensions triggered by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026.

The escalation has disrupted air travel and raised security concerns across multiple Gulf states.

Nigerians are reportedly stranded in countries including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Qatar, as flight cancellations and airspace restrictions complicate travel plans.

The Ministry had earlier identified Nigerians in Iran and Israel as the most vulnerable, noting that evacuation from these locations presents significant logistical challenges.

In Iran, for instance, stranded students would need to be transported across multiple locations to reach the Armenian border, while also meeting entry requirements set by authorities in Armenia.

Authorities are also exploring the possibility of deploying military assets, including aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force, although ongoing hostilities have made securing safe flight paths difficult.

Meanwhile, some progress has been recorded for Nigerians stranded in transit.

According to Ebienfa, flights operated by Qatar Airways have resumed on select routes, including services from Doha to Lagos.

“In a few days, Nigerians stranded due to disrupted transit flights will return home,” he said, adding that alternative routes through Cairo and Nairobi have also been utilised.

The crisis intensified over the weekend after the UAE confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched from Iran. Authorities reported that at least six people were killed and over 140 others injured, including foreign nationals.

Among the injured was a Nigerian, who has since been treated and discharged, according to Nigerian officials.

The UAE said it has intercepted hundreds of missiles and drones since the beginning of the hostilities, underscoring the scale of the ongoing conflict and its impact on civilians and expatriate communities.

In a related development, Iran has expressed readiness to support evacuation efforts.

Gholamreza Raja, the country’s ambassador to Nigeria, said Tehran is willing to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the safe departure of its citizens.

He noted that Iran’s land borders remain open and are being used by foreign nationals seeking to exit the country.

“Reports indicate that the routes are safe and can be used without difficulty,” Raja said, adding that several hundred Nigerians, many of them students, currently reside in Iran.

However, he acknowledged that exact figures are difficult to determine due to incomplete registration with the Nigerian embassy.