The Federal Government has assured the public that Nigerians living in Iran remain safe, despite recent security concerns in the region.
This reassurance came through the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran.
There have been no reported cases of injuries or fatalities involving Nigerian citizens, according to official statements issued on Friday.
The Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reiterated the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the diaspora.
“The situation in Iran underscores the need for proactive engagement and a strong support system,” Dabiri-Erewa said in a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of the Public Relations and Protocols Unit of NiDCOM.
She commended the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran for its swift response to the situation and called on Nigerians abroad to register with their respective embassies to enhance communication and ensure timely assistance when necessary.
As part of its response, the Nigerian Embassy was temporarily relocated to Armenia to maintain uninterrupted consular services.
Meanwhile, Nigerian nationals in Iran were advised to move to safer northern regions, including Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which were designated as muster points in case of an evacuation.
According to the statement, a representative of the embassy confirmed that these steps were taken as a precaution and have proven effective.
“Normalcy has returned to these areas, and we are pleased to report that Nigerians in Iran remain safe. There are no confirmed casualties or injuries,” the embassy said.
The government also addressed a viral video circulating online, which features a Nigerian man making unverified claims about the situation in Iran.
Officials clarified that the individual had previously been imprisoned for human trafficking and allegedly using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug-related activities.
The embassy had secured his release on humanitarian grounds, despite a standing deportation order issued more than six months ago. He had reportedly refused to leave Iran until the recent security developments.
“Our responsibility is to all Nigerians, regardless of their situation. While we do not condone unlawful acts, we intervened in the spirit of national duty,” the embassy said, according to the statement.
The incident, they added, highlights the importance of registration with Nigerian missions for effective assistance during crises.
The PUNCH
