Nigeria Evacuates Citizens From Iran Via Armenia Border

Nigeria has begun evacuating its citizens from Iran as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies, reflecting a wider effort by governments across Africa to repatriate nationals caught in the escalating regional crisis.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed that authorities started escorting citizens from Iran toward neighboring Armenia, where officials are stationed to receive evacuees and facilitate onward travel.

Officials said no Nigerian nationals have been affected by the conflict so far, but evacuation measures were activated as a precautionary step. The Nigerian government did not disclose the number of Nigerians currently residing in Iran or the number already evacuated, indicating that the process remains ongoing.

“Nigerians who wish to leave Iran are being safely escorted across the Armenian border by officials from the Nigerian embassy in Tehran, ensuring a smooth and secure passage for those wishing to depart,” the commission said in a statement.

Government officials emphasized that the evacuation reflects proactive crisis management measures designed to protect Nigerian citizens overseas during periods of instability.

The commission said the government remains vigilant in monitoring the safety of Nigerians worldwide, particularly in regions affected by conflict.

Nigeria’s evacuation operation mirrors similar actions taken by other African countries in response to the expanding Middle East conflict.

Tanzania, for example, evacuated the first group of its citizens from the United Arab Emirates on Monday, with evacuees arriving at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. Officials reported that the returning citizens expressed relief upon reuniting with family members after leaving the region.