The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned Israel’s latest military strike on Iran, warning that the move has dangerously heightened tensions in the Middle East and could threaten global peace and stability.
In a statement released on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria expressed deep concern over the intensifying hostilities between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Israel, particularly the sustained exchange of missile and aerial attacks across both territories.
“The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria condemns Israel’s preemptive strike on Iran that has led to an escalation of hostilities... 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.
The Nigerian government emphasised that the ongoing cycle of retaliation not only poses grave risks to civilian populations but also threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into deeper instability, with far-reaching consequences for international security and economic development.
Reaffirming its longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and the diplomatic resolution of conflicts, Nigeria urged both nations to step back from further confrontation and pursue constructive dialogue.
The statement stressed that “military action is not a substitute for negotiation” and that sustainable peace must be grounded in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.
Nigeria also called on the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward de-escalation and facilitate meaningful negotiations to avert further deterioration of 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 Ministry stated. “Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region.”
The call for restraint follows a major Israeli air campaign on Friday targeting approximately 100 sites across Iran, including key nuclear and military facilities.
The attacks, which resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials, are being viewed as one of the most serious escalations in the long-standing conflict between the two countries.
Among those reported killed were Iran’s armed forces chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described Israel’s actions as a “declaration of war” and vowed a “bitter and painful” response. The Iranian military has since warned that its retaliation would have “no limits.”
The international community has since responded with widespread calls for calm, warning that further escalation could have devastating regional and global repercussions.