Panic in the Diaspora: FG to Evacuate Nigerians from Israel and Iran as War Threatens to Spiral Out of Control

Tension has gripped Nigerian communities in Israel and Iran as the Federal Government moved swiftly on Tuesday night to announce an emergency evacuation plan for its citizens caught in the middle of the escalating conflict between the two Middle Eastern nations. In what has now turned into a full-blown military crisis, Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that its embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran have activated measures to locate, register, and repatriate Nigerians stranded in the embattled territories.

The announcement, made through a statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry, came in the wake of a series of airstrikes that have stunned the international community. According to reports, Israel launched a sweeping air offensive last Friday, targeting nearly 100 sensitive locations across Iran, including military command centres and suspected nuclear infrastructure. The devastating operation reportedly claimed the lives of Iran’s top military officials, including the armed forces chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and IRGC commander Hossein Salami. In a fiery response, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, condemned the strikes as a “declaration of war” and promised an unrelenting retaliation with “no limits.”

Caught in the crossfire are hundreds of Nigerian citizens, many of them students, workers, businesspeople, and pilgrims, now facing mounting uncertainty about their safety. The Federal Government has urged all affected Nigerians to stay alert, adhere to safety instructions, and immediately get in touch with the Nigerian embassies in the two countries for guidance on the evacuation process. The statement further emphasized that the Ministry is collaborating closely with international partners and local authorities to ensure that the evacuation is conducted with maximum efficiency and minimal risk.

“Following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries,” the statement read. “All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.”

The government praised the commitment of diplomatic personnel stationed in both Tel Aviv and Tehran, acknowledging their relentless efforts to stay connected with Nigerian communities and coordinate logistics under high-pressure circumstances. As embassies scramble to pull together manifests and arrange transportation, many Nigerians abroad have begun to share messages of fear, frustration, and confusion via social media, pleading for more precise communication and expedited action.

In addition to evacuation logistics, the Federal Government used the opportunity to restate its foreign policy stance on peaceful conflict resolution. Urging restraint from all involved parties, the Nigerian government called for an immediate ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian law. It also emphasized the need for all actors to prioritize the safety and protection of civilians, many of whom now find themselves displaced, injured, or traumatized.

“In the same vein, the Government of Nigeria reiterates its call for the immediate cessation of hostilities and urges all parties involved to embrace dialogue, respect international humanitarian law, and prioritise the protection of civilians,” the statement added.

While Nigeria’s position has always leaned toward diplomacy, the rapidly evolving situation has raised concerns about the ability of nations like Nigeria to shield their nationals abroad in times of deep geopolitical instability. Already, aviation authorities are grappling with limited access to the airspaces of the warring nations, making evacuation routes complicated and time-sensitive. It remains unclear whether the evacuations will be airlifted through neighbouring countries or if third-party nations will be involved in facilitating safe passage.

This is not the first time the Nigerian government has had to respond to international emergencies to safeguard its diaspora population. Previous evacuations from countries like Ukraine, Sudan, and Libya have demonstrated both the logistical challenges and the emotional toll that such crises impose on citizens abroad. But the conflict between Israel and Iran poses a new layer of danger, with the risk of retaliatory attacks, proxy confrontations, and regional spillover becoming increasingly likely by the hour.

At the heart of the conflict lies a long history of suspicion and hostility, but the latest spark was ignited by accusations from Israel that Iran was behind recent provocations targeting its security infrastructure. While both countries have long engaged in shadow conflicts, particularly through cyber warfare and proxy battles in Syria and Lebanon, last Friday’s air assault has opened a new chapter — one that may yet engulf the broader Middle East if left unchecked.

International powers including the United States, Russia, and the European Union have issued calls for calm and are reportedly working behind the scenes to broker a diplomatic off-ramp. However, the stakes have never been higher, and for Nigerians caught in the middle, hope now rests on how fast the evacuation can be executed before the situation further deteriorates.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government assured the public that real-time updates will continue to be disseminated through official communication channels. Nigerians have been urged to avoid the spread of misinformation and to rely solely on verified sources for updates regarding the evacuation.

“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability,” the Ministry concluded.

As war drums beat louder in the Middle East, Nigeria finds itself once again at the frontlines of an international crisis — not as a combatant, but as a nation determined to protect its own in foreign lands. The world watches nervously as the situation unfolds, with the Nigerian government now racing against time to bring its citizens home before the storm becomes unmanageable.