The Nigerian government has appealed for restraint and an immediate halt to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, warning that the hostilities could destabilise the entire Middle East and disrupt global peace.
This appeal came through a statement issued on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to Israel’s recent aerial assault on Iran.
“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, marked by sustained missile and aerial exchanges across both territories,” the statement declared.
The federal government expressed alarm over the intensifying military exchanges, noting that the ongoing tit-for-tat retaliation places countless civilian lives in danger and increases the risk of a broader regional crisis.
“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 statement read.
According to reports, Israel targeted approximately 100 sites across Iran, including military and nuclear installations, in a large-scale air offensive on Friday.
The strikes reportedly claimed the lives of several top Iranian military officials, among them General Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, and Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described Israel’s actions as a “declaration of war” and warned of a “bitter and painful” retaliation. Meanwhile, Iran’s military authorities vowed their response would have “no limits.”
In light of these developments, Nigeria called on international actors, especially the United Nations Security Council, to play a more proactive role in resolving the crisis.
“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,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
“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,” it added.
The statement further underlined that military confrontation cannot replace dialogue. “Military action is not a substitute for negotiation,” it noted.
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