By Desire Emmanuel
Following the launch of air strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on Saturday, the Federal Government has issued a security advisory to Nigerians residing in the country and other Middle East countries.
The Federal Government warned them to, as a matter of urgency, be vigilant and avoid military as well as government installations that will be the main targets of attack in those countries.
Many Nigerians are living in some of the Middle East countries while some go on visits especially to countries like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, United Arab Emirates (UAE), among others.
A press release issued on Saturday, February 28, by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was closely monitoring the volatile situation in the region and urged Nigerian citizens to be careful..
The ministry said it noted that tensions heightened after air strikes by Israel and the United States against targets in Iran as well as subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran on locations in some Gulf countries.
The ministry said: “Given the heightened state of tension and the potential for further escalations, the ministry is issuing the advisory to all Nigerian citizens residing in or currently visiting Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries.
“Nigerians in affected areas should maintain constant vigilance and remain conscious of their surroundings at all times. They should avoid strategic, military or government installations identified as potential flashpoints.”
The ministry also recommended that citizens restrict non-essential movement and travel until the security situation stabilises and it also cautioned against attending large gatherings or public demonstrations.
Nigerians were also directed to strictly comply with all security and safety directives issued by the authorities in the respective countries they reside in, while staying informed through reliable news sources and official channels.
The statement added that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran and missions in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia had been placed on high alert to provide consular assistance.
