According to The Punch reporting, the Nigerian government has initiated plans to evacuate approximately 1,000 Nigerians currently residing in Iran. The majority of these citizens are students pursuing higher education. The decision comes as regional tensions in the Middle East escalate toward a potential full-scale conflict.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with the Nigerian embassy in Tehran to facilitate the safe return of those who wish to leave. The government cited the “safety and security of our nationals” as the primary reason for the emergency measure. Families of the students have been urged to remain calm while logistics are finalized.
Channels TV confirmed the evacuation plan, reporting that “the first flight is expected within 72 hours.” Premium Times also covered the story, quoting a ministry official who said, “we are closely monitoring the situation in the Persian Gulf.”
Echotitbits take: Diaspora safety is a recurring challenge for Nigeria. The speed and efficiency of this evacuation will be a major test for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the newly reformed NiDCOM (Nigerians in Diaspora Commission).
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/fg-plans-evacuation-of-1000-nigerians-in-iran/, March 8, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
