The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent military strike on Iran, denouncing the action as a dangerous provocation that has intensified hostilities across the Middle East.
In a press statement released Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Nigerian government expressed deep concern over the escalation and called for an immediate halt to the violence.
The government noted that the preemptive strike by Israel had unleashed a fierce and sustained exchange of missile attacks and aerial bombardments between both countries, further destabilizing an already fragile region.
Stressing the urgency of the situation, the ministry warned that this escalating cycle of retaliation threatens not just regional peace but international security and economic stability.
Nigeria, in the statement, urged both Israel and Iran to exercise the highest level of restraint and to embrace diplomacy as the only viable path toward de-escalation.
The government reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral engagement. It emphasized that no military action can replace the value of meaningful dialogue rooted in mutual respect and international law.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on the broader international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to act swiftly by creating a platform that can facilitate constructive engagement between the two adversaries.
It argued that the longer the conflict persists, the greater the danger to civilian populations and the more profound the consequences for global peace and economic development.
In its concluding remarks, Nigeria pledged its readiness to support all sincere and constructive peace efforts aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further bloodshed.
“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 read.
It continued: “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 continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development.
“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.
“We urge the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts toward immediate de-escalation and to provide a platform for constructive engagement.
“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.
“Nigeria stands ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting peace in the region.”
As fears of a broader conflict grow, Nigeria’s voice joins those of other nations appealing for a return to diplomacy and the safeguarding of international peace frameworks.
What you should know
In response to Israel’s recent strike on Iran, Nigeria has called for an end to hostilities, urging both sides to adopt peaceful dialogue over military confrontation.
With a firm stance rooted in non-aggression and diplomacy, Nigeria reaffirmed its readiness to support international peace efforts and urged the United Nations to step in and facilitate de-escalation.
