Middle East Crisis: NIDCOM Confirms Enquiries From Nigerians Abroad
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has denied issuing a statement that no distress calls were received from Nigerians affected by the escalating crisis in the Middle East, clarifying that citizens abroad have in fact made enquiries about possible evacuation plans.
The clarification was issued on Tuesday through the Commission’s official X handle in a statement signed by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abuja, Abdur Rahman Balogun.
“The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has been drawn to a statement credited to the Commission Spokesman, Abdur Rahman Balogun, that there are no distress calls from Nigerians stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing crisis in the region. I never issued such a statement,” the statement read.
Balogun stated that the Commission had received calls from Nigerians in parts of the Gulf and Iran.
“On the contrary, the Commission has actually received calls from a few Nigerians in Qatar, UAE, and Iran enquiring about preparations for evacuations when it becomes necessary,” he said.
The clarification follows heightened tensions in the Middle East after military strikes reportedly carried out on February 28, 2026 by the United States and Israel in Iran. Iranian state media confirmed early on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been killed, prompting a declaration of 40 days of mourning and a seven day national holiday.
The strikes triggered missile exchanges and a series of airspace closures across parts of the region, disrupting international aviation routes that serve as key transit hubs for Nigerian travellers.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced flight disruptions to several Middle East destinations following the closures. No fewer than 560 passengers travelling from Nigeria were reportedly stranded as outbound international flights were halted.
Many of the affected travellers had checked in with luggage and arrived at airports last Saturday before operations were abruptly suspended. Some were scheduled to travel with Qatar Airways and Emirates through Middle Eastern hubs.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a security advisory to Nigerians residing in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries, urging caution and strict compliance with official travel guidance.
Addressing concerns over the safety of Nigerians abroad, NIDCOM stated that the Federal Government was coordinating with relevant authorities.
“The fact of the matter is that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with all relevant agencies for appropriate steps while appealing to Nigerians in the affected countries to follow the travel advice as issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and contact the emergency numbers provided by the ministry,” the statement said.
It added, “Nigerians in affected countries should be assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered.”