The Nigerian government has announced arrangements to evacuate Nigerian citizens from Israel and Iran amid escalating hostilities between the two countries.

In a statement on Tuesday night, a spokesperson for the foreign affairs ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said Nigerian embassies in both countries had been tasked with reaching out to affected citizens and monitoring their safe return to the country.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries,” said the statement.

While urging Nigerians to adhere to all security protocols and instructions from the embassies, the ministry commended the efforts of diplomatic staff in both countries to reach out to concerned communities amid the crisis.

The ministry assured Nigerians of the federal government’s continued commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens abroad.

While calling for an immediate ceasefire between the two countries, the federal government which had earlier condemned Israel’s attack reaffirmed its support for a peaceful resolution of the conflict and global stability.

“Nigeria stands firm in its support for the peaceful resolution of conflicts and reaffirms its longstanding commitment to regional and global peace and stability,” the statement said.

Israel launched a large-scale airstrike campaign targeting more than 100 strategic locations, including military and nuclear sites, across Iran on Friday.

The attack, which killed several top Iranian military officials, including Mohammad Bagheri and Hossein Sala, drew widespread international reactions, triggering immediate retaliatory strikes by Iran resulting in the deaths of several civilians and military personnel in both countries.