Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens from Iran Over Middle East War

The Federal Government has begun evacuating Nigerians who wish to leave Iran, escorting them across the border into Armenia as tensions escalate in parts of the Middle East.

The evacuation effort is being coordinated by officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran to ensure the safe passage of Nigerian nationals seeking to leave the country.

Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed the development on Tuesday, noting that embassy officials are assisting evacuees as they cross from Iran into Armenia.

According to her, the evacuation is targeted at Nigerians who voluntarily wish to leave the country due to the current security situation.

She also stated that no Nigerian has been reported injured or affected by the ongoing hostilities, adding that embassy personnel remain stationed at the border to receive and assist those departing Iran.

The evacuation follows a rise in tensions that began on February 28 after coordinated military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel. The attacks reportedly triggered retaliatory missile and drone strikes across parts of the region, heightening fears of a broader conflict.

Authorities said the ongoing situation has raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals living in areas affected by the escalating crisis, prompting several countries to begin arrangements to move their citizens to safer locations.

Nigerian officials say the embassy will continue to coordinate the evacuation process and provide assistance to citizens who decide to leave Iran as the regional tensions persist.