The Federal Government has stated that the immediate evacuation of Nigerians stranded in parts of the Middle East, amid escalating hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, is currently not possible due to prevailing security risks and disrupted airspace across the region.

Officials confirmed that while contingency plans are being developed, the volatile security environment—including missile strikes, drone attacks, and restricted airspace—has made the logistics of immediate evacuation extremely challenging.

A government source disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with relevant agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), to ensure that safe evacuation can be conducted once conditions allow.

Abdurrahman Balogun, NiDCOM spokesperson, said that the commission has received enquiries from Nigerians residing in Iran, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates regarding evacuation arrangements, but stressed that ongoing military operations and airspace closures complicate immediate extraction.

“Nigerians in the affected countries have been advised to stay indoors, follow local safety directives, and maintain communication with their nearest embassies,” Balogun said. “Evacuation will proceed when security permits and safe corridors become available.”

The crisis escalated in late February following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on strategic sites within Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory as well as U.S. military installations and other strategic locations across the Gulf, including Bahrain and the UAE.

The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional war. Several Middle Eastern states have reported airspace closures, missile interceptions, and heightened security measures. Israel has declared a nationwide state of emergency, mobilised thousands of reservists, closed schools, and restricted public gatherings amid threats to civilian areas.

Military exchanges have also spilled into Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes and counterattacks by regional armed groups have displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, heightening humanitarian concerns.

Other nations have already begun evacuating their citizens. The United States, for example, has reportedly flown thousands of nationals out through emergency charter and military flights. Several other countries are coordinating similar operations to secure the safety of their citizens.

Nigerian authorities say they are closely monitoring developments, maintaining regular communication with diplomatic missions, and conducting ongoing assessments of the evolving situation.

Officials emphasised that any evacuation operation will be activated only after thorough security evaluations and once safe travel routes are confirmed.

The government reassured Nigerians abroad that their safety remains a top priority and that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure their protection.

For now, citizens in Iran, Qatar, UAE, and surrounding regions are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and in constant touch with Nigerian embassies for updates on evacuation plans.

Sources noted that evacuation logistics will involve careful coordination across multiple agencies to mitigate risks posed by military activities and restricted airspace.

Authorities also highlighted that contingency planning includes provisions for emergency accommodation, medical support, and safe transport once extraction becomes feasible.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad, assuring that no effort will be spared to secure their safe return once conditions stabilise.

In the meantime, Nigerians in the affected regions are advised to strictly adhere to local authorities’ safety instructions and avoid unnecessary travel.

The ongoing crisis underscores the fragility of security in the Middle East and highlights the challenges governments face in evacuating citizens from conflict zones without exacerbating risks.