Nigeria Begins Evacuation of Citizens from Iran Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Story: written by Myra March 11,2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has started evacuating Nigerians who wish to leave Iran in the region.

The development was confirmed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in a post on her X account.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran are coordinating the operation and assisting citizens opting to depart the country. Evacuees are being guided to the Armenian border, where arrangements are in place to ensure their secure passage.

The evacuation follows growing concerns over security in the region after coordinated military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel on February 28. The strikes reportedly sparked retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the Middle East, heightening fears of a wider conflict.

Despite the tensions, Dabiri-Erewa reassured that no Nigerian has been harmed by the hostilities. She emphasized that embassy staff remain stationed at the border to assist all citizens seeking evacuation.

“Willing Nigerians are being escorted across the Armenian border by embassy officials for safe passage. No Nigerian in Iran has been affected by the conflict, and our staff are present to support those leaving,” she wrote.

The Federal Government continues to monitor the situation closely as the Middle East remains volatile following the ongoing military operations.