No distress call from Nigerians in Iran — NiDCOM amid escalating US-Iran war

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has said it has not received any distress call from Nigerians residing in Iran, despite escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.

The agency’s Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in a telephone interview, clarifying that while there may be Nigerians in Iran, none has formally requested assistance.

> “I’m not saying there are no Nigerians there, I’m only saying nobody has sent any distress call,” he said.

He explained that ongoing airspace restrictions and flight cancellations were a direct consequence of active hostilities.

> “You cannot fly where bombs are going up and down. No airline will fly,” he added.

NiDCOM noted that evacuation procedures can only commence when affected citizens formally request assistance and indicate readiness to return home.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is monitoring the situation and considering evacuation options once conditions stabilise.

Protests in Lagos, Northern States

Tensions spilled into Nigeria as members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria staged protests in Lagos and several northern states over the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Dozens of demonstrators marched around Maryland in Lagos, chanting anti-US and anti-Israel slogans, while police deployed officers to prevent breakdown of law and order. Similar protests were earlier reported in Kano, Sokoto, Kaduna and other states.

War Expands, Oil Prices Surge

As the conflict spread across the Middle East, Lebanon-based Hezbollah reportedly joined the fray, while Iran launched retaliatory strikes on energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The intensifying war pushed Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude to $80 per barrel, up from $70, marking its highest level since July 2025. Brent crude climbed to $79.08 per barrel, while Murban and West Texas Intermediate also posted significant gains.

Energy analysts warn that sustained instability in the Gulf region — particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil chokepoint — could further disrupt supply chains and impact global fuel prices.

Trump Vows Sustained Military Action

US President Donald Trump said military operations against Iran would continue “in full force” until all objectives were achieved, acknowledging the likelihood of further casualties.

At the same time, Iran’s security leadership rejected claims that Tehran had reached out for renewed negotiations, vowing retaliation for the killing of its top officials.

Shipping Disruptions Deepen Global Anxiety

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has reportedly declined sharply, with hundreds of vessels either anchored or rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope. Major global carriers have temporarily suspended transits, citing security risks.

The World Health Organisation has called for protection of civilians and health facilities as humanitarian concerns mount.

As diplomatic efforts intensify, global powers — including France, Germany and the United Kingdom — have warned against further escalation while reaffirming their right to collective defence.

For now, Nigeria remains on alert, with security agencies maintaining heightened vigilance amid fears of possible domestic fallout.