FG Urges U.S., Israel, Iran to De-escalate Hostilities; Issues Advisory for Nigerians in Middle East

The Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu has called on the United States, Israel and Iran to cease hostilities and return to the negotiation table in the interest of global peace and coexistence.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria was closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East, particularly the reported military actions undertaken by Israel and the United States against targets in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as Iran’s retaliatory strikes on targets in some Gulf countries.

“The Government of Nigeria wishes to call on parties to the conflict to de-escalate the crisis by returning to the negotiation table for the interests of global peace and coexistence,” the statement read.

Amid the escalating confrontation, U.S. President Donald Trump, in a broadcast, declared that his country was carrying out what he described as “major combat operations” in Iran, stating that the objective was to eliminate threats posed by the Iranian regime.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard terrible people,” Mr. Trump said, urging Iranian citizens to take over their government.

According to reports, the latest wave of airstrikes targeted strategic locations in Iran, including sites linked to the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as well as nuclear facilities.

Advisory to Nigerians

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Federal Government issued a travel and safety advisory to Nigerians residing in Iran and affected Gulf countries.

The ministry urged all Nigerians in the affected areas to remain extremely vigilant and conscious of their surroundings at all times, warning them to avoid locations considered strategic, including military and government installations, which could become flashpoints.

It further advised citizens to limit non-essential movement and travel within their host countries until the security situation stabilises, and to avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.

Nigerians were also strongly encouraged to comply strictly with all security and safety directives issued by local authorities, stressing that cooperation with law enforcement agencies is paramount to ensuring personal safety.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians abroad and said it would continue to monitor developments closely while providing necessary updates.