FG Moves to Evacuate Nigerians from Middle East Amid Escalating Conflict

By Folarin Adeyemi Aluko

The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun preparations to evacuate Nigerians stranded in parts of the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to escalate following ongoing military confrontations.

Officials said the government is currently finalising administrative procedures and the release of funds required to kick-start the evacuation process, which is expected to prioritise Nigerians in high-risk areas.

The development comes amid rising insecurity triggered by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, as well as earlier coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28 that sparked the ongoing conflict.

Evacuation Plans Underway

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that arrangements are already in motion.

“The government is working out the necessary administrative details and the release of funds to commence evacuation,” he said.

Nigerians across several countries, including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar, have been affected by the crisis, with many stranded after flight disruptions and rising security threats.

Priority on High-Risk Zones

Government officials say priority will be given to Nigerians in the most volatile regions, particularly those in Iran and Israel, where the security situation has made evacuation more complex.

Authorities explained that evacuating Nigerians from Iran poses significant logistical challenges, including the need to transport stranded students from different universities to the Armenia border, while also meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities.

The government is also considering multiple evacuation options, including the possible deployment of aircraft from the Nigerian Air Force, although the volatile situation in the region has made securing flight operations difficult.

Relief for Stranded Transit Passengers

Meanwhile, some progress has been recorded for Nigerians stranded in transit locations.

According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, many Nigerians in Qatar were affected due to disrupted connecting flights but are currently being assisted by airlines.

He revealed that Qatar Airways has resumed flights to Nigeria, with a flight already departing Doha for Lagos on Monday.

“In a few days, the category of Nigerians stranded due to transit flight disruptions will have returned home,” he said.

Additional flights to destinations such as Cairo in Egypt and Nairobi in Kenya have also helped ease the situation for some affected citizens.

Rising Regional Tensions

The evacuation efforts come as Gulf countries continue to face security threats linked to the conflict.

The UAE Ministry of Defence recently confirmed intercepting multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran, describing the attacks as part of a broader wave of aggression in the region.

Government Assures Support

The Nigerian government has assured citizens that it remains committed to their safety and will continue to explore all available options to ensure their safe return.

Officials say further updates will be provided as evacuation plans progress and conditions in the region evolve.