The Federal Government has said the evacuation of Nigerians stranded in parts of the Middle East amid the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, cannot be carried out immediately due to prevailing security conditions in the region.

Government officials confirmed that while preparations are underway for possible evacuation, the volatile security environment and widespread airspace disruptions have made immediate operations difficult.

A government official disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun coordinating contingency plans with relevant agencies, including the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians once conditions permit.

Spokesperson for NiDCOM, Abdurrahman Balogun, confirmed that authorities have received enquiries from Nigerians residing in countries such as Iran, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates regarding possible evacuation arrangements.

However, he explained that the closure of airspace across several parts of the Middle East and ongoing military exchanges have complicated evacuation logistics.

According to him, Nigerians living in affected countries have been advised to remain indoors, comply with safety advisories issued by host governments and maintain regular contact with Nigerian embassies until safe evacuation corridors become available.

Officials stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting its citizens abroad and will activate evacuation operations once the security environment improves and transportation routes reopen.

The crisis escalated in late February following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel targeting strategic facilities inside Iran.

Iran subsequently retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory as well as United States military installations and strategic targets across the Gulf region, including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

The confrontation has rapidly widened, raising fears of a broader regional war as several Middle Eastern states report airspace disruptions, missile interceptions and heightened security measures.

Israel has also declared a nationwide state of emergency, shutting schools, restricting public gatherings and mobilising thousands of reservists amid fears of attacks on civilian areas.

Military exchanges have also spread to Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes and retaliatory attacks by regional armed groups have displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians and deepened humanitarian concerns.

As tensions intensify, several countries have begun evacuating their nationals from the region.

The United States alone has reportedly evacuated thousands of its citizens through emergency charter flights and coordinated military operations, while other countries are activating emergency response mechanisms to assist stranded nationals.

Nigerian authorities said they are closely monitoring developments and maintaining communication with diplomatic missions across the Middle East.

Officials emphasised that any evacuation operation would depend on security assessments and the reopening of safe travel routes.

For now, Nigerians in the affected countries have been urged to remain calm, stay alert and maintain contact with Nigerian embassies for updates.

Government sources reiterated that the safety of Nigerian citizens remains a priority as authorities continue to assess the unfolding crisis and prepare appropriate emergency responses. (Text, excluding headline: AriseNews TV)

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