FG closely monitors Israel-Iran ceasefire, reassesses evacuation plans
FG closely monitors Israel-Iran ceasefire, reassesses evacuation plans
The Federal Government has announced that it is closely monitoring the ceasefire between Israel and Iran while continuing preparations to evacuate Nigerian citizens from the region in case the situation escalates again. The ceasefire was declared on Tuesday after weeks of rising tensions between the two Middle Eastern nations, with the announcement made by United States President Donald Trump.
Last week, the Federal Government disclosed it was preparing to evacuate Nigerians stranded in the affected areas, particularly in Iran.
As of last week, nearly 1,000 Nigerians in Iran were awaiting evacuation, pending final approval from Armenian authorities to allow safe passage across the border.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran had completed logistics to transport citizens to Armenia, from where they would be airlifted to Nigeria via the capital, Yerevan.
However, while bus transportation had been secured, border clearance from Armenia was still pending.
To facilitate a smooth evacuation process, the Nigerian Embassy also submitted updated lists of evacuees—including personal details—to Iranian authorities.
Coordination with Tehran aims to prevent delays at the border and ensure an orderly transfer.
Giving updates to the press on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the situation remained fluid.
“We are monitoring the implementation of the ceasefire agreement closely. The safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad remains our top priority. We are ready to act if the situation changes,” he said.
The latest crisis erupted on June 13, when Israel launched widespread airstrikes targeting more than 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear and military facilities.
Iran retaliated with missile attacks, leading to significant casualties on both sides.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, at least 610 civilians have been killed and more than 4,700 injured since the start of the conflict.
Among the dead were 13 children, several healthcare workers, and emergency responders.
Several hospitals and ambulances were reportedly damaged in the attacks, prompting mass evacuations by multiple countries. Nations such as Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic repatriated their citizens, with some evacuees forced to cross land borders on foot before being flown out.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the ceasefire, issued a series of sharp remarks on Tuesday, criticising both Iran and Israel for breaching the agreement. Despite his criticism, he later confirmed that the ceasefire remained in place and called on Israel to halt its airstrikes.
