The Federal Government has begun the evacuation of Nigerians in Iran who have indicated interest in leaving the country, as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East.
The operation involves escorting affected citizens from Iran to neighbouring Armenia through a monitored border route to ensure their safety.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, confirmed the development on Tuesday through a statement shared on her verified account on the social media platform X.
According to her, officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran are directly supervising the evacuation process and accompanying citizens who have opted to leave the country. The embassy team is responsible for guiding them safely across the border into Armenia.
She explained that the arrangement was designed to ensure that Nigerians who wish to depart Iran can do so in an orderly and secure manner amid the ongoing regional uncertainty.
“The willing Nigerians in Iran are being safely escorted across the Armenia border by officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, ensuring smooth and secure passage for those wishing to leave,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She also reassured Nigerians that, as of the time of the announcement, none of the country’s citizens residing in Iran had been harmed or directly affected by the tensions currently unfolding in the region.
Dabiri-Erewa further disclosed that personnel from the Nigerian mission remain stationed at the border crossing to receive evacuees, provide assistance, and coordinate the next stage of their movement after leaving Iranian territory.
The evacuation effort is being carried out in collaboration with Armenian authorities, who are working with Nigerian officials to facilitate the safe entry and movement of the evacuees.
The development reflects the Federal Government’s broader strategy of safeguarding Nigerians living abroad during periods of crisis. Authorities say they are closely monitoring developments across the Middle East while taking precautionary steps to ensure the welfare and security of Nigerian nationals in affected areas.
