The Nigerian government has told its citizens in Iran and the wider Gulf region to “limit movement” and maintain “constant vigilance” following a wave of military strikes across the Middle East. In an emergency advisory issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja warned that the situation remains “volatile” after reports of joint military action by Israel and the United States against targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The warning comes as the region braces for further instability following retaliatory Iranian strikes reportedly aimed at targets in several neighbouring Gulf states.
‘Avoid Strategic Flashpoints’
The ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, urged Nigerians in the affected areas to stay away from military or government installations, describing them as “potential flashpoints.”The advisory outlines five key directives for citizens:
Restrict Movement: All non-essential travel should be halted until the security situation stabilizes.
Stay Informed: Citizens are urged to rely on official channels to avoid “misinformation.”
Compliance: Strict adherence to local safety directives and law enforcement is mandatory.
Vigilance: Nigerians should avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.
Consular Contact: Embassies in Tehran, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have been placed on high alert.
Calls for De-escalation
The federal government expressed deep concern over the “heightened state of tension” and the potential for the conflict to spiral further. Nigeria, which maintains significant diplomatic and economic ties across the Middle East, has joined international calls for a ceasefire. “The Government of Nigeria calls on parties to the conflict to de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table,” the statement read, citing the interests of “global peace and coexistence.”Nigeria’s foreign ministry says it will continue to monitor the situation, reiterating that the safety of its citizens abroad remains a “top priority.”
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