Stranded Nigerians Appeal for Help Amid Israel-Iran Missile Strikes

As the conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, Nigerians caught in the crossfire are calling for immediate assistance, taking refuge in underground shelters while missile sirens blare overhead. The Nigerian government faces mounting criticism for its delayed evacuation efforts, especially as other nations have already begun repatriating their citizens.

Casualties Mount as Hostilities Escalate
The violence, which began with Israel’s Operation Rising Lion targeting Iranian sites, has resulted in at least 264 deaths, including women and children. Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage has struck Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, home to a significant Nigerian population and the Nigerian embassy.

Life Underground: Nigerians Share Their Stories
With daily life in Israeli cities at a standstill, Nigerians recount harrowing experiences of seeking shelter. “We are in an Israeli bomb shelter and I can’t answer calls right now,” wrote Ekene Abaka from Tel Aviv. Another resident described the embassy’s closure and lack of support: “Most of the areas where Nigerians live in Israel are in Tel Aviv. We are on the run.”

Video clips circulating online show Nigerians running for cover, sometimes finding shelters locked and having to search for safety elsewhere. The anxiety is palpable as alarms and missile strikes punctuate their nights.

International Evacuations Contrast with Nigeria’s Slow Response
While countries such as Germany, Greece, and China have successfully evacuated hundreds of their citizens, Nigeria’s evacuation plans remain in progress. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges citizens to stay in contact with embassies and follow safety protocols, but many remain stranded as arrangements are finalized.

Economic Fallout for Nigerians in Israel
The shutdown of schools, businesses, and public spaces in Israel has left Nigerians without income and facing uncertainty about their future. “All business activities have been shut down, so there is no income for anyone at the moment,” said a Nigerian worker, expressing fears about rent and food security.

Evacuation Hindered by Border Delays
In Iran, around 600 Nigerians await evacuation, with plans to move them through Armenia pending border clearance. The embassy in Tehran has prepared logistics, but final approval from Armenian authorities is still awaited. The government insists it is committed to the safety of its citizens and is working with international partners to ensure a secure evacuation.