The Federal Government has dismissed a widely circulated video making alarming claims about the safety of Nigerians in Iran, assuring the public that citizens residing in the country are safe and accounted for.
This assurance came through statements from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, both confirming that there have been no reported injuries or fatalities involving Nigerian nationals in the wake of ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of NiDCOM, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad, stating that recent developments highlight the need for proactive diplomatic engagement and effective support systems.
She commended the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran for its swift response and urged Nigerians abroad to register with their respective embassies to enable timely communication and assistance during emergencies.
As part of precautionary measures, the Nigerian Embassy was temporarily relocated to Armenia to continue providing consular services without disruption. In addition, Nigerians in Iran were advised to relocate to safer areas in the north—Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which were designated as muster points in case an evacuation became necessary.
The embassy confirmed that normalcy has returned to these regions and that Nigerians remain safe, with no confirmed casualties.
Addressing the viral video, the government clarified that the individual making unverified claims had previously been imprisoned for human trafficking and was accused of using other Nigerians as collateral in drug-related dealings.
Though under a deportation order for over six months, he had refused to leave Iran until recent events unfolded. The embassy had secured his release on humanitarian grounds.
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