The federal government has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media about the safety of Nigerians in Iran, affirming that citizens residing in the Middle Eastern country remain unharmed and secure, despite the ongoing regional conflict.
In an official statement released on Friday, the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, confirmed that there have been no reported cases of injury or death involving Nigerian nationals.
Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reiterated the government鈥檚 unwavering commitment to the protection of Nigerians abroad, particularly in conflict zones.
鈥淲e remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the diaspora,鈥 she said in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM鈥檚 Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
Dabiri-Erewa lauded the swift and strategic response of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, which temporarily relocated operations to Armenia to ensure continuous consular support amid the crisis.
She also urged Nigerians living abroad to register with their respective embassies to enhance emergency response and ensure effective communication during crises.
鈥淭he situation in Iran underscores the need for proactive engagement and a strong support system,鈥 she added.
According to the Embassy, Nigerians in Iran were advised to relocate to safer northern areas such as Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which were designated as muster points in the event of an evacuation.
鈥淣ormalcy has returned to these areas, and we are pleased to report that Nigerians in Iran remain safe. There are no confirmed casualties or injuries,鈥 the Embassy stated.
These actions, officials say, were precautionary and have proven effective in protecting lives.
Meanwhile, the government addressed a viral video posted by a Nigerian man in Iran, making alarming claims about the state of Nigerians in the country.
According to the Embassy, the individual in the video had previously been imprisoned for human trafficking and for allegedly using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug-related activities.
鈥淭he embassy had secured his release on humanitarian grounds, despite a standing deportation order issued more than six months ago,鈥 the statement read.
Officials noted that he had refused to leave Iran until the recent escalation in hostilities.
鈥淥ur responsibility is to all Nigerians, regardless of their situation. While we do not condone unlawful acts, we intervened in the spirit of national duty,鈥 the Embassy said.
They stressed that the incident underscored the importance of registering with Nigerian missions abroad, especially during international emergencies.
LEADERSHIP reports that Iranian crisis escalated dramatically on June 13, when Israel launched extensive airstrikes on more than 100 locations in Iran, including military and nuclear sites.
Iran retaliated with missile attacks, triggering one of the most intense clashes between the two countries in recent years.
According to Iran鈥檚 Health Ministry, at least 610 civilians were killed while over 4,700 people have been injured in the conflict, with numerous hospitals, ambulances, and healthcare workers caught in the crossfire.
Among the dead were 13 children and several first responders.
In response, multiple countries, including Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic, began evacuating their citizens, some of whom fled across land borders before being airlifted home.
A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was brokered on Tuesday by United States President Donald Trump, bringing a temporary halt to the hostilities.