Nigerian Govt Begins Evacuation of Citizens in Iran as Conflict Escalates

The Nigerian government has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel intensifies.

Chairperson of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, disclosed this in a statement, explaining that Nigerians willing to leave the country are being escorted by officials of the Nigerian embassy in Iran to the Armenian border for safe passage.

According to her, Nigerian authorities are stationed at the border to receive those fleeing the conflict.

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“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 said.

Dabiri-Erewa, however, did not state the exact number of Nigerians currently in Iran or the number that have been evacuated so far.

The evacuation effort comes about 11 days after the outbreak of hostilities between Israel, Iran, and the United States, a conflict that has reportedly led to heavy casualties and widespread displacement.

According to the Iranian Ministry of Health, strikes linked to the conflict have killed more than 1,300 people in Iran, while over 12,000 others have been injured. The victims reportedly range in age from eight months to 88 years.

Reports also indicate that about 200 women are among those killed, including 168 schoolgirls from Minab Elementary School. In addition, about 55 healthcare workers have been wounded and 11 killed, including four physicians, two nurses, and three emergency workers.

Meanwhile, the Israeli health ministry said at least 13 people have been killed and 1,929 injured in Israel due to Iranian missile and rocket attacks since the war began.

Eight soldiers from the United States have also been confirmed dead.

In neighboring Lebanon, reports indicate that 394 people, including 83 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks during clashes with Hezbollah, with more than half a million people displaced within a week of fighting.

Speaking on the conflict, Donald Trump said on Monday that the war with Iran would end soon, although he noted that it would not be resolved within the week.

In response, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that Iranians—not the Americans—would determine when the war ends.

Also reacting, Esmaeil Baghaei said there was no room for ceasefire discussions while military attacks by the United States and Israel continue.