The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has refuted a statement circulating online claiming that no Nigerians in Iran have made distress calls despite the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The clarification was issued in a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM in Abuja.
The Commission explained that the statement attributed to its spokesman was not issued by NIDCOM and provided an update on the situation of Nigerians in the region. It confirmed that it has received calls from some Nigerians in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran inquiring about potential evacuation plans should conditions worsen.
“The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has been drawn to a statement credited to the Commission Spokesman … that there are no distress calls from Nigerians stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing crisis in the region. I never issued such statement,” the notice read. NIDCOM further noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with relevant agencies to take necessary measures if required. Nigerians in affected countries were urged to adhere strictly to travel advisories and to use designated emergency contact numbers as needed. “Nigerians in affected countries should be rest assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered,” the statement added.
The clarification comes amid intensifying hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Last week, the Federal Government issued travel advisories to Nigerians in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states, cautioning them to limit non-essential travel and comply with local safety directives. These advisories followed military exchanges between the U.S., Israel, and Iran that have disrupted airspace, canceled international flights, and prompted several governments to warn citizens to remain vigilant.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it remains in close contact with Nigerian missions across the Gulf region and is actively coordinating with international partners to safeguard citizens abroad.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by U.S. and Israeli military campaigns targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, has prompted Iranian retaliation across the Middle East. Multiple countries, including Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, and Israel, have reported explosions, strikes, and airspace disruptions. Confirmed reports indicate Iran has launched missile and drone attacks on military installations, infrastructure, and bases throughout the region. The wider confrontation has impacted global aviation and regional stability, prompting countries to issue advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel as military operations continue.
