The Federal Government has urged Nigerians residing in the Middle East, particularly in the Islamic Republic of Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries, to heighten their security awareness amid growing military tensions in the region.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said it is closely monitoring developments surrounding reported military operations carried out by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran, as well as retaliatory actions affecting parts of the Gulf.
Citizens in the affected areas were advised to remain vigilant and steer clear of strategic or sensitive locations, including military facilities and government installations, which could become focal points of further hostilities.
The advisory also recommended restricting non-essential travel and avoiding public gatherings or demonstrations until the security situation stabilises.
Nigerians were further encouraged to comply strictly with directives issued by local security authorities, stressing that cooperation is essential for personal safety.
Diplomatic missions, including the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and consular offices across Gulf countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have been placed on high alert to provide assistance and ensure effective communication with citizens where required.
The government reaffirmed that the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad remain a top priority, adding that it will continue to monitor the evolving situation and issue updates as necessary.
It also called on all parties involved in the conflict to de-escalate tensions and return to dialogue in the interest of global peace and stability.
The advisory follows reports of airstrikes targeting sites in Iranian cities, with explosions and plumes of smoke seen in the capital.
U.S. officials described the military operations as efforts to neutralise security threats, while Israeli authorities characterised them as preventive and defensive measures.
Donald Trump stated that the United States sought to eliminate what he termed imminent threats and pledged to dismantle missile infrastructure linked to Iran’s defence capabilities. Israeli officials similarly framed the operations as defensive actions.
International responses to the escalation have been measured. The African Union expressed concern about the potential consequences for regional and global stability, urging all sides to exercise restraint.
The European Union also responded, with European Council President António Costa describing the developments in Iran as troubling and noting that European leaders remain in communication with regional partners.
In concluding its statement, the Federal Government emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis and underscored the importance of diplomacy in addressing security challenges.