The Federal Government has assured the public that Nigerians residing in Iran are safe and accounted for amid escalating tensions between Iran and Israel that have left hundreds dead and thousands injured.
This reassurance was issued jointly by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, following growing concerns over the safety of citizens living in the region.
According to official statements released on Friday, no Nigerian has been reported injured or killed in the ongoing conflict.
NiDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the diaspora,” Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Public Relations and Protocol Unit.
She lauded the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran for its swift and proactive response to the crisis.
As part of its emergency measures, the embassy was temporarily relocated to Armenia to continue consular services without disruption.
In addition, Nigerian nationals in Iran were advised to relocate to safer northern areas, including Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which have now been designated as evacuation muster points.
Embassy officials confirmed these measures were precautionary and have proven effective, adding that calm has since returned to the identified regions.
“Normalcy has returned to these areas, and we are pleased to report that Nigerians in Iran remain safe. There are no confirmed casualties or injuries,” the embassy stated.
The government also addressed a viral video circulating online showing a Nigerian man making alarming claims about the situation in Iran.
Officials clarified that the man in the video had a history of criminal activity, including human trafficking and using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug operations.
Despite being subject to a deportation order over six months ago, the individual remained in Iran until the recent escalation.
“Our responsibility is to all Nigerians, regardless of their situation. While we do not condone unlawful acts, we intervened in the spirit of national duty,” the embassy said, adding that his claims are baseless and do not represent the actual condition of Nigerians in the country.
The embassy reiterated the importance of Nigerians abroad registering with their embassies to ensure timely communication and support during emergencies.
The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified on June 13, when Israel launched extensive airstrikes on over 100 locations across Iran, targeting nuclear and military facilities.
Iran responded with a series of missile attacks, sparking a violent escalation that led to mass casualties and humanitarian crises.
Iran’s Health Ministry reported over 610 civilian deaths and more than 4,700 injuries, including children, healthcare workers, and emergency responders. Several hospitals and ambulances were also struck in the fighting.
The conflict prompted mass evacuations by several nations, including Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic. Many of their citizens were evacuated by air or had to cross land borders on foot.
A temporary ceasefire was announced Tuesday by U.S. President Donald Trump, offering a brief respite in the region.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government urged continued vigilance and compliance with safety advisories issued through official channels.
