FG dismisses viral video, confirms all Nigerians in Iran are safe

The Federal Government of Nigeria has moved to allay the fears of Nigerians at home and abroad by confirming the safety of all its citizens residing in Iran.

This assurance comes in the wake of a viral video circulating on social media that had made unverified claims about Nigerians being abandoned amidst the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

In a statement issued on Friday, June 27, 2025, the Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.

The Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, which has temporarily relocated its operations to Armenia to maintain uninterrupted consular services, also confirmed that there have been no reported casualties or injuries involving Nigerian citizens.

The government also used the opportunity to address the viral video directly, clarifying the background of the individual featured in it.

According to officials, the man in the video had a history of human trafficking and drug-related activities and had been previously imprisoned.

The embassy had intervened to secure his release on humanitarian grounds, despite a standing deportation order.

He had reportedly refused to leave Iran until the recent security developments.

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“Our responsibility is to all Nigerians, regardless of their situation,” an embassy representative stated. “While we do not condone unlawful acts, we intervened in the spirit of national duty.”

To ensure effective communication and assistance, the government has advised Nigerian nationals in Iran to register with the embassy and move to designated safer northern regions, including Shomal, Qom, and Ghaemshahr, which have been designated as muster points in case of a future evacuation.

The crisis, which erupted on June 13 with widespread airstrikes by Israel on Iranian facilities, has led to a major escalation of hostilities.

Although a ceasefire was announced on Tuesday, the situation remains tense, prompting the Nigerian government to take proactive measures to safeguard its citizens.