The Federal Government has commenced the evacuation of willing Nigerians in Iran, escorting them safely across the Armenia border amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), confirmed the operation in a post on her X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday.

She said officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran are coordinating the movement of citizens wishing to leave the country, ensuring their safe passage into Armenia.

“The willing Nigerians in Iran are being safely escorted across the Armenia border by officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, ensuring smooth and secure passage for those wishing to leave,” Dabiri-Erewa wrote.

She reassured that no Nigerian in Iran has been affected by the ongoing tensions so far, adding that embassy staff remain stationed at the border to receive and assist evacuees.

The evacuation, conducted in coordination with Armenian authorities, is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to protect Nigerians abroad during emergencies. The initiative highlights the government’s ongoing monitoring of Middle East developments and commitment to the welfare of its citizens overseas. (Vanguard, but headline reworked )