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FG Moves to Evacuate Nigerians as Middle East Crisis Disrupts Travel, Flights

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 17th, 2026.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced preparations to evacuate its citizens stranded across parts of the Middle East following escalating tensions triggered by recent military confrontations in the region.

Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Monday that administrative processes and funding arrangements are currently being finalised to enable the evacuation exercise. Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the government is prioritising Nigerians in high-risk areas, particularly in Iran and Israel, where the security situation remains volatile.

The crisis follows intensified hostilities in the region, including coordinated strikes involving the United States and Israel against Iran in late February, which have triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across several Gulf countries. According to The Punch, these developments have disrupted international travel and left many Nigerians stranded in transit hubs such as Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.

Government sources disclosed that evacuation plans are complicated by logistics, especially for Nigerians in Iran, where students are expected to be transported to neighbouring countries such as Armenia before onward travel. Authorities are also considering the deployment of military aircraft, although security concerns have limited immediate access to affected airspace.

Meanwhile, some stranded Nigerians have begun returning home as flight operations gradually resume in certain locations. Ebienfa confirmed that commercial carrier Qatar Airways has restarted flights to Nigeria, with evacuees already arriving in Lagos from Doha. Additional flights routed through Cairo and Nairobi have also conveyed affected passengers.

In a related development, the Ministry of Defence of the United Arab Emirates reported intercepting multiple missiles and drones linked to Iranian attacks, underscoring the scale of the conflict. Casualties have been recorded among residents and foreign nationals, including Nigerians, although one injured Nigerian has reportedly been treated and discharged.

The Iranian government has expressed willingness to cooperate with Nigeria on evacuation efforts. The country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Raja, said land borders remain open and safe for foreign nationals seeking to exit the country. He noted that several hundred Nigerians, many of them students, currently reside in Iran.

Adding to the crisis, Emirates Airline has suspended all flights to and from Dubai following directives from aviation authorities, further complicating travel plans for thousands of passengers. According to The Guardian, the suspension has disrupted one of the busiest transit routes for Nigerian travellers, leaving many uncertain about refunds and rescheduling.

Industry stakeholders say the prolonged disruption is beginning to impact business travel, trade engagements, and tourism linked to Dubai, a key destination for Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals.

As tensions persist, Nigerian authorities say efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of citizens while exploring all available diplomatic and logistical channels to manage the unfolding crisis.