NiDCOM Boss Assures Safety of Nigerians in Iran, Debunks Viral Video
The Federal Government has refuted a viral video circulating on social media, which claimed that Nigerians in Iran are in danger amid escalating hostilities in the region.
In a statement released on Friday, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran confirmed that all Nigerian nationals residing in Iran are safe, with no reported casualties or injuries.
Chairman of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad, particularly in areas experiencing conflict.
“We remain committed to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians in the diaspora,” she stated in a release signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Public Relations and Protocols Unit.
She praised the prompt and strategic efforts of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, which temporarily relocated consular operations to Armenia to ensure continuous support during the crisis.
Dabiri-Erewa also urged Nigerians living abroad to register with their respective embassies to improve emergency response mechanisms and maintain open lines of communication during international emergencies.
“The situation in Iran underscores the need for proactive engagement and a strong support system,” she added.
According to the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, Nigerians in Iran were advised to relocate to relatively safer areas in the north, such as Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which have now been designated as muster points for any potential evacuation.
“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 affirmed.
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The government’s response comes in the wake of a viral video by a Nigerian man in Iran, who alleged that fellow nationals were in grave danger. The Embassy clarified that the individual in the video had a controversial history, including prior imprisonment for human trafficking and allegations of using Nigerians as collateral in drug-related dealings.
“Despite a standing deportation order issued more than six months ago, the embassy secured his release on humanitarian grounds,” the statement explained. “He, however, refused to leave Iran until the recent surge in hostilities.”
The Embassy emphasized that while the Nigerian government does not condone illegal acts, it remains committed to protecting the rights and lives of all citizens abroad.
This development comes as tensions flared on June 13, when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes on over 100 locations across Iran, targeting military and nuclear installations. Iran retaliated with missile strikes, leading to one of the most severe confrontations between the two nations in recent memory.
According to Iran’s Health Ministry, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 610 civilians and injuries to over 4,700 individuals, including children, healthcare workers, and emergency responders.
The hostilities prompted several countries—such as Germany, Slovakia, Greece, Bulgaria, and the Czech Republic—to evacuate their citizens, with some fleeing by land before being airlifted home.
A temporary ceasefire was brokered earlier this week by U.S. President Donald Trump, leading to a pause in the conflict.
The Nigerian government reiterated its call for vigilance and adherence to embassy guidelines during such crises, noting that preparedness remains crucial for ensuring the safety of its nationals abroad.
By PRNigeria
