Iranian authorities confirmed the safety of Nigerian nationals residing in Iran on Thursday, as tensions escalated across the Middle East due to the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Ambassador Mahdavi Raja, who serves as Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, addressed journalists at a news conference in Abuja. He stated that no Nigerian citizens had suffered harm since hostilities began.
Furthermore, the ambassador emphasized that Nigerian residents in major Iranian cities remained secure. He specifically mentioned Tehran, the capital, and Qom as locations where the diaspora community continued to live without incident.
In his statement, Raja said: “Since the outbreak of hostilities, there has been no reports of harm to Nigerians residing in Iran’s cities such as the capital, Tehran and Qom.”
The assurance came in response to growing concerns about the welfare of foreign nationals in Iran. Regional tensions had intensified following the latest developments in the U.S.-Israel-Iran military standoff. Consequently, diplomatic missions faced increased scrutiny regarding citizen protection protocols.
The Nigerian community in Iran includes students, business persons, and religious pilgrims. Many Nigerians travel to Qom, which hosts significant Shia Islamic seminaries and shrines. Additionally, Tehran attracts Nigerian professionals and students across various fields.
Raja did not provide specific figures regarding the Nigerian population in Iran. However, he maintained that his government prioritized the security of all foreign residents. He also indicated that Iranian authorities continued to monitor the situation closely.
The ambassador’s comments followed recent military exchanges between Iran and Israel. These exchanges had raised fears of broader regional conflict. Moreover, the United States had reinforced its military presence in the area, adding to the volatile atmosphere.
Diplomatic observers noted that the ambassador’s reassurance aimed to prevent panic among families in Nigeria. They also suggested that the statement served to maintain bilateral relations during a sensitive period.
The Nigerian government had not issued an immediate response to the ambassador’s statement. Similarly, no evacuation orders for citizens in Iran were announced at the time of the news conference.
