Nigeria Plans Evacuation of Citizens from Middle East

The Nigerian government is taking steps to evacuate its citizens from crisis zones in the Middle East, particularly in light of escalating tensions and security threats linked to missile and drone attacks associated with Iran. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ebienfa, confirmed that the government is finalizing necessary administrative processes to release funds for the evacuation.

The situation has raised safety concerns for Nigerians stranded in countries such as Iran, Israel, Kuwait, and Qatar. The logistics of the evacuation are complex, especially for Nigerian students in Iran, where the Nigerian Air Force may be deployed to assist.

Additionally, Emirates Airlines has temporarily suspended flights from Dubai International Airport due to the heightened security situation. The Iranian ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, expressed Iran's willingness to assist in facilitating the safe departure of Nigerians, noting that many Nigerians are currently residing in Iran for studies or small-scale commercial activities.