President Bola Tinubu’s government has condemned Israel’s attack on Iran amid lingering hostilities between the two countries.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for Mr Tinubu, circulated a statement by the Nigerian ministry of foreign affairs condemning Israel for attacking Iran on X on Saturday.

“Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities between Iran and the State of Israel. Nigeria calls for the cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace,” Mr Onanuga posted on X. 

The statement by the Nigerian ministry of foreign affairs added, “Nigeria expresses its grave concern and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace. The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development.”

The Nigerian ministry of foreign affairs called for international community intervention to resolve hostilities between Israel and Iran.

“As a nation deeply committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all involved to prioritise dialogue over confrontation. We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement,” the statement reads.

It added, “We reiterate that military action is not a substitute for negotiation. The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law. Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region.”

This comes after Israel struck Iran’s nuclear and military complex, killing the country’s top three military officials and six nuclear scientists.

General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was caught in the attacks that rocked Iran in the early hours of Friday. Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the country’s highest-ranking military officer, Iran’s former national security chief, Ali Shamkhani, and six other nuclear scientists were also killed in the attacks.

In retaliation, Iran also launched hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel on Friday evening.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to sustain attacks on Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, also threatened “severe punishment” against Israel.