Nigerians trapped amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran have issued desperate pleas for help, as they remain hidden in underground shelters while missiles continue to rain down on civilian areas.
As reported by PUNCH, several of those affected expressed frustration over the Nigerian government’s response, noting that other countries have already started evacuating their nationals. While the Nigerian government has confirmed it is working on plans to rescue over 1,000 citizens, many remain stuck in dangerous zones.
According to recent reports, at least 264 people have been killed since the conflict erupted, including women and children. The hostilities began after Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” last Friday, targeting suspected Iranian military and nuclear facilities in cities such as Tehran and Tabriz. Iranian commanders, including Gen. Mohammad Bagheri and IRGC chief Hossein Salami, were reportedly among the casualties.
In retaliation, Iran fired more than 100 ballistic missiles on June 13, striking cities including Tel Aviv—home to the Nigerian embassy. Many Nigerians in Israel are concentrated in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, areas now heavily impacted by the fighting.
In interviews, some Nigerians shared their terrifying experiences. One man in Tel Aviv, Ekene Abaka, messaged Saturday PUNCH saying he had taken refuge in a military bomb shelter with other foreign nationals. “I can’t talk right now. We are inside a shelter,” he wrote.
A Nigerian software engineer in Jerusalem, who requested anonymity, said most Nigerians had been running for safety since the missiles began falling. “Most of us live in Tel Aviv, and that’s where the bombs are landing. The embassy has shut down and has offered no support. We’re on our own,” he said.
Videos circulating online showed scenes of panic as Nigerians ran to shelters following missile warnings. In one clip, a group is seen dashing across a dark street, only to find the nearest shelter locked. “It’s closed. Let’s keep moving,” someone is heard shouting.
A Facebook page, Travels Vlog, documented the situation, with its host, Solomon, explaining that the Israeli government sends alerts about incoming missiles via text about 10 minutes before impact, followed by sirens.
As countries such as the United States, China, Greece, Germany, and the Czech Republic have begun evacuating their citizens by air, land, and sea, Nigerians are still awaiting rescue.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the embassies in Israel and Iran are in contact with stranded citizens. However, as of Thursday night, no evacuations had been carried out.
A woman named Hope Omobeauty shared on Solomon’s podcast that her relatives in Israel had been trying to leave but found no way out due to closed borders and suspended flights.
Life at a Standstill
The conflict has also paralyzed everyday life. Israeli authorities have closed schools, daycare centers, summer camps, and higher institutions until at least Sunday, worsening the situation for many Nigerians living and working in the country.
“Life here is hand-to-mouth. You pay rent monthly and get paid hourly. With everything shut down, we have no income and no idea how to pay rent or buy food,” the Nigerian engineer in Jerusalem added.
He criticised the Nigerian embassy, saying it had only performed basic diplomatic duties but failed to provide welfare or emergency support for Nigerians in crisis.
Evacuation Awaits Border Approval
Meanwhile, plans to evacuate nearly 1,000 Nigerians stranded in Iran are on hold as the Federal Government awaits clearance from Armenian authorities to allow citizens to cross into Yerevan for airlift.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran has arranged transport by bus and is in talks with Armenia to enable a safe border crossing.
He explained that embassy officials are also coordinating with Iran’s foreign ministry to provide detailed lists of evacuees to ensure smooth transit.
“Once clearance is granted, the buses will move people from designated locations to Yerevan, where evacuation flights will be waiting. Until then, citizens are advised to remain in safe zones and monitor their phones for updates,” Ebienfa said.
The Nigerian government says it is working tirelessly to finalise arrangements, but until action is taken, citizens caught in the conflict can only wait—and hope.
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