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

The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of Nigerians in Iran who wish to leave the country, following escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed the operation in a post on X on Tuesday.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, officials of the Nigerian embassy in Tehran are coordinating the evacuation, with evacuees being escorted across the Armenian border to ensure their safe passage.

The move comes in response to a crisis that began on February 28, when coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets reportedly triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks in the region, raising fears of a wider conflict.

Dabiri-Erewa reassured Nigerians that the evacuation is voluntary, stating: “Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by officials of the Nigerian embassy in Iran for safe passage. No Nigerian in Iran has been affected by the war, as officials remain at the border to receive all who want to leave.”

The development highlights the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard its citizens abroad amid continuing instability in parts of the Middle East.