NiDCOM assured that no lives of Nigerians would be threatened as tensions in the Middle East escalate

The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has assured its citizens that the Federal Government is actively monitoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East to protect Nigerians living in the region.

NiDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said in a statement on Tuesday: “Nigerians in the affected countries should be assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and will take the necessary steps to ensure that no Nigerian lives are put at risk.”

He confirmed that Nigerian authorities had received calls from citizens in Qatar, the UAE and Iran, asking about evacuation plans. According to him, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all relevant agencies to take appropriate steps, while appealing to Nigerians in the affected countries to follow the travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contact the emergency numbers provided by the ministry.”

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a security alert following the military offensive in the region, warning: “All Nigerians in Iran and the affected Gulf states are advised to remain highly alert and aware of their surroundings at all times. Avoid areas known to be strategic, military or government installations, as these may become flashpoints.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the ministry added: “We wish to assure the general public that the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad remains the top priority of the Federal Government.”

This warning came after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday morning, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces in several areas of the Gulf.