Breaking: Nigerian Government Launches Evacuation Plan Amid Middle-East Crisis

The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region, driven by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, which have raised security concerns across several Gulf nations. The situation worsened following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that preparations for evacuation are ongoing. He explained that the government is finalising logistics and funding arrangements before beginning the process.

Concerns have grown over the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, where travel disruptions have affected flights and movement.

Officials noted that evacuating Nigerians from Iran presents significant logistical challenges, particularly in transporting stranded students to the Armenian border while complying with entry requirements set by Armenia. The government is also considering deploying aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force, although security concerns continue to complicate flight operations.

Ebienfa added that many Nigerians stranded in Qatar were transit passengers whose travel plans were disrupted. He explained that airlines, including Qatar Airways, have begun assisting passengers, with some already returning to Nigeria through resumed flights. Others have reportedly travelled via routes through Cairo and Nairobi.

Meanwhile, authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and drones launched from Iran, including nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones on March 14. The attacks resulted in casualties, with six people reported dead and more than 140 injured.

The Nigerian government confirmed that one injured Nigerian has been treated and discharged. The victims of the attacks included individuals from several countries, reflecting the international impact of the crisis.

In a related development, the Iranian government has expressed willingness to assist in the evacuation of Nigerians. Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, stated that authorities are ready to support Nigerians who wish to leave and that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran is already assisting affected citizens.

He added that Iran’s land borders remain open and are being used by foreign nationals to exit the country. According to him, hundreds of Nigerians, many of them students, currently reside in Iran, although exact figures are uncertain due to incomplete registration.

Meanwhile, Emirates Airline has announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Dubai International Airport, following directives from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority amid rising tensions.

The suspension has disrupted travel plans for many passengers, including Nigerians who use Dubai as a major transit hub. Several business trips, conferences, and tourism activities have also been affected, with some events cancelled or moved elsewhere.

Travel agents report that many Nigerian passengers are still awaiting refunds or alternative travel arrangements as uncertainty continues.