Nigerian government issues travel and safety warning for Nigerians in Iran and Gulf States

The Federal Government has issued a security advisory to Nigerians residing in the Middle East, particularly in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring Gulf states, urging heightened vigilance amid escalating military tensions in the region.

In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities said they were closely monitoring developments following reported military operations carried out by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran, as well as retaliatory measures affecting parts of the Gulf.

The government called on Nigerian citizens in the affected areas to remain cautious and avoid locations deemed strategic or sensitive, including military facilities and government buildings, which could become focal points for further hostilities.

The advisory recommended that Nigerians limit non-essential travel and steer clear of public gatherings or demonstrations until the security situation stabilises. Citizens were also urged to comply strictly with directives issued by local security agencies, with the government stressing that cooperation with authorities is essential for personal safety.

Diplomatic missions have been placed on alert, including the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and consular offices across Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. These missions are expected to provide assistance to nationals and ensure effective communication as events unfold. The government reaffirmed that the protection of Nigerians abroad remains a top priority and said it would continue to assess the evolving situation while issuing updates when necessary.

It also appealed to the parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue, emphasising the need for negotiations in the interest of global peace and stability. The advisory follows reports of airstrikes targeting locations in Iranian cities, with explosions and thick smoke seen rising in parts of the capital.

US officials described the military actions as efforts to neutralise security threats, while Israeli authorities characterised the strikes as preventive measures.

Donald Trump stated that the United States intended to eliminate what he called imminent dangers and pledged to dismantle missile infrastructure linked to Iran’s defence capabilities. Israeli officials similarly framed the operations as defensive in nature.

International reaction has been measured. The African Union expressed concern about the potential implications for regional and global stability, urging all sides to exercise restraint.

The European Union also responded, with European Council President António Costa saying developments in Iran were troubling and confirming that European leaders were maintaining contact with partners in the region.

Concluding its statement, the Federal Government reiterated its call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and underscored the importance of diplomacy in addressing international security challenges.