The Federal Government of Nigeria has condemned a preemptive Israeli strike on Iranian territory earlier this week that triggered retaliatory missile attacks from Tehran.
In a strongly worded press release issued Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal government expressed “grave concern” over the spiraling hostilities, urging both nations to halt further military action and return to diplomatic dialogue. “Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities… marked by sustained missile and aerial exchanges,” the statement read.
The violent exchanges began after Israel launched its largest-ever military strike against Iran, targeting what it claimed were nuclear and military installations in Tehran and Natanz. In retaliation, Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, triggering air raid sirens and prompting civilians to seek shelter. The tit-for-tat attacks have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict in the already volatile Middle East.
Federal government warned that the “continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability,” with severe consequences for global security and economic development.
Signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the statement emphasised Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy. “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,” the spokesperson said.
Nigeria also called on the United Nations Security Council to “intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.”
The intensifying Iran-Israel conflict has already drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about disruption to global oil supply lines and humanitarian fallout. Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, now joins a growing list of nations calling for an immediate ceasefire.
“Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry concluded.
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