FG Dismisses Viral Video, Confirms Safety of Nigerians in Iran

The Federal Government has dismissed a viral video claiming Nigerians are unsafe in Iran, confirming that all Nigerian citizens in the country remain safe and unharmed despite recent regional tensions.

The reassurance came from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, both of which reported no casualties or injuries involving Nigerians.

NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding Nigerians abroad, praising the embassy’s swift response to the situation.

“Our priority is the safety and welfare of all Nigerians in the diaspora. The embassy has taken proactive steps to ensure their security,” Dabiri-Erewa stated in a release signed by NiDCOM’s Public Relations officer, Gabriel Odu.

As a precaution, the Nigerian Embassy temporarily relocated its operations to Armenia to ensure uninterrupted consular services, while Nigerians in Iran were advised to relocate to safer areas in the north, including Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, designated as muster points for any potential evacuation.

The embassy confirmed that these measures were effective, with normalcy now restored and no reports of harm to Nigerians.

The government also clarified the origins of the viral video, stating that the individual featured had previously been imprisoned for human trafficking and allegedly using fellow Nigerians as collateral in drug-related activities. The Nigerian Embassy had secured his release on humanitarian grounds, but he reportedly refused to leave Iran until the recent crisis.

“While we do not condone illegal acts, our responsibility is to all Nigerians. His claims are misleading and do not reflect the reality on the ground,” the embassy stressed.

The Iran-Israel conflict erupted on June 13 after Israeli airstrikes targeted over 100 sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with missile strikes, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

According to Iran’s Health Ministry, over 610 civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and more than 4,700 people injured. Several hospitals and ambulances were also hit in the attacks.

Amid the violence, countries including Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic evacuated their citizens. A ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, was announced on Tuesday.