The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a security advisory to Nigerians residing in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries following escalating military tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East, describing the regional environment as volatile and unpredictable.
The advisory follows reports of military strikes allegedly carried out by Israel and the United States against targets inside Iran, as well as retaliatory actions reportedly launched by Iran against locations in parts of the Gulf region. The developments have raised fears of wider regional instability.
In the statement signed by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian nationals abroad while supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring peace.
The Ministry warned that the heightened tensions could pose serious risks to civilians, including foreign nationals, and urged Nigerians in affected areas to adopt strict safety measures.
“Given the heightened state of tension and the potential for further escalations, Nigerians are advised to maintain constant vigilance and remain conscious of their environment,” the statement said.
Citizens were advised to avoid strategic or sensitive locations such as military installations, government facilities, and other potential flashpoints. They were also cautioned against attending large gatherings, protests, or public demonstrations, which could quickly become unsafe under the prevailing circumstances.
The Ministry further encouraged Nigerians to limit non-essential travel within affected countries until the security situation stabilises. It emphasised the importance of complying strictly with safety directives issued by local authorities and cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies.
To ensure effective support, the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, along with diplomatic missions in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, has been directed to strengthen communication channels with Nigerian nationals and prepare to provide necessary consular assistance.
The Ministry assured that it would continue to assess developments and provide updates as necessary, reiterating that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a top priority.
It also called for restraint among parties involved and urged a return to negotiations to prevent further deterioration of regional and global security, warning that prolonged escalation could have far-reaching consequences for international peace and economic stability.
