FG MOVES TO EVACUATE NIGERIANS AS MIDDLE EAST CRISIS ESCALATES

By ‘Sefiu Ajape

The Federal Government on Monday said it is finalizing administrative procedures and the release of funds to evacuate Nigerians affected by the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.

The development follows escalating tensions in the region, triggered by missile and drone attacks linked to Iran, as well as coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that arrangements for evacuation are ongoing.

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

The update comes amid growing concerns over the safety of Nigerians stranded in countries including Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar after hostilities disrupted flights and travel plans.

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FG MOVES TO EVACUATE NIGERIANS AS MIDDLE EAST CRISIS ESCALATES

The ministry had earlier stated that priority would be given to Nigerians in the most vulnerable areas, particularly those in Iran and Israel, where evacuation efforts have been complicated by the security situation.

It explained that evacuation from Iran poses significant logistical challenges, including moving stranded students from various institutions to the Armenian border and meeting entry requirements set by Armenian authorities.

The government is also exploring different options, including the possible deployment of Nigerian Air Force aircraft, although the volatile security environment has made flight operations difficult.

The ministry added that most Nigerians stranded in Qatar are transit passengers whose journeys were disrupted but who are currently being supported by their airlines.

Providing further updates, Ebienfa said, “Qatar Airways has started operating flights to Nigeria. There was a flight to Lagos today (Monday) from Doha.

“So, in a few days, the category of Nigerian stranded due to transit flights that were affected by the crisis will all be in Nigeria. This is in addition to flights to Cairo, Egypt and Nairobi, Kenya that included some Nigerians.”

On Saturday, the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles and drones launched from Iran.

The ministry said it engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 unmanned aerial vehicles on March 14, describing the incidents as part of a broader wave of attacks.

Authorities also confirmed casualties, with six people reportedly killed and more than 140 others injured, including foreign nationals from several countries.

Since the escalation began, the UAE said its air defence systems have intercepted 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and about 1,600 drones.

Officials noted that victims included individuals from several countries, including Nigeria, while Ebienfa added that the Nigerian injured in the attacks “has been treated and discharged.”

Iran backs FG

Meanwhile, Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, said the Iranian government is willing to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to facilitate the safe departure of Nigerians who wish to leave the country.

Speaking with newsmen, he said Iran remains committed to the safety and welfare of foreign nationals, including Nigerians.

“Naturally, the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran has taken the necessary measures to assist and support its nationals, and it remains in contact with members of the Nigerian community to provide guidance where needed,” the ambassador said.

He added that Iran is ready to assist with travel arrangements.

“At the same time, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready to cooperate in facilitating the departure of Nigerian nationals if they wish to leave the country,” Raja stated.

The envoy noted that Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries remain open and are being used by foreign nationals for travel.

“Currently, Iran’s land borders with neighbouring countries are open, and normal movement through these routes is ongoing. Many foreign nationals are already using these land routes for travel or departure.

“Reports indicate that the routes are safe and can be used without difficulty. Nigerian citizens can therefore make use of these routes if they choose to do so,” he said.

Raja added that several hundred Nigerians reside in Iran, many of them students studying under scholarship programmes.

“According to available estimates, several hundred Nigerian nationals live in Iran. A significant number of them are students, some of whom are studying at Iranian universities or educational institutions under scholarship programmes,” he said.

He explained that the number fluctuates because not all nationals register with the Nigerian embassy and some travel for short-term programmes or business activities.

Emirates suspends flights

Meanwhile, Emirates has again suspended all flights to and from Dubai, advising passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice.

The airline issued the advisory on Monday, following guidance from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, which grounded flights at Dubai International Airport amid heightened tensions in the region.

Although Emirates had earlier resumed limited operations on its Dubai–Lagos route, the latest suspension has once again disrupted travel plans.

The airline said, “Customers are reminded not to travel to the airport at this time and to continue checking this page for the latest updates. We thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”

The disruption has left thousands of travellers, including Nigerians, stranded or uncertain about their travel plans, while businesses linked to travel to Dubai have also been affected.

Several conferences and business events scheduled in Dubai have been cancelled or relocated, as passengers continue to seek refunds or reschedule trips amid the ongoing uncertainty.