The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced the evacuation of willing Nigerian citizens from Iran, escorting them across the Armenian border to ensure their safety amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The evacuation follows a crisis that began on February 28, when coordinated military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel prompted retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, raising concerns of a broader conflict.

Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed the operation in a statement on her X account on Tuesday. She explained that officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran are actively coordinating the evacuation, ensuring safe passage for citizens wishing to leave Iran.

Dabiri‑Erewa reassured Nigerians that none have been affected by the ongoing tensions. “Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by officials of the Nigerian embassy in Iran for safe passage. No Nigerian in Iran has been affected by the war, as officials remain at the border to receive all who want to leave,” she stated.

The development comes as escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East continue to raise concerns about the safety of foreign nationals residing in the region.

Regarding repatriation flights, Dabiri‑Erewa noted that the airspace remains unsafe. However, she affirmed that a Federal Government team is on standby to evacuate Nigerians as soon as it is safe to do so. “A flight arrived from the UAE to Lagos two days ago, just before another strike and the closure of the airspace. Once the airspace opens, the multi-agency FG team on crisis and evacuation is on standby. Our prayers are with you and all our people in affected countries,” she said.