The Nigerian Government has called for an immediate halt to the escalating violence and hostilities between Israel and Iran.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government condemned Israel’s airstrike on Iran, describing it as a dangerous escalation of tensions between the two nations.
The ongoing conflict has seen both sides engage in sustained missile and aerial attacks, raising serious concerns.
“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iran, which has heightened hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel,” the statement read. “Nigeria expresses grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, urging both sides to exercise maximum restraint in the interest of regional and global peace.”
The government warned that the repeated retaliatory strikes not only endanger civilian lives but also risk destabilising the broader Middle East, with far-reaching implications for international peace and economic stability.
On Friday, Israel launched a large-scale air offensive targeting around 100 locations across Iran, including nuclear and military sites. The strikes reportedly killed several top Iranian military officials, including the armed forces’ Chief of Staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
The attacks mark one of the most serious escalations between the two countries in recent years and have drawn widespread international concern. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described the strikes as a “declaration of war,” vowing that Israel would face a “bitter and painful” response. The Iranian military stated that there were “no limits” to its retaliation.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, urging all parties involved to prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
The Federal Government also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward de-escalation and provide a platform for meaningful negotiations.
“As a nation dedicated to peace and diplomacy, Nigeria stands ready to support any genuine efforts to reduce tensions and foster peace in the region,” the statement concluded.
It further stressed that military action is not a substitute for negotiation and reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.