Nigeria Condemns Israeli Strike on Iran, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Diplomatic Resolution
The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged an immediate end to the escalating violence between Israel and Iran, expressing deep concern over the growing conflict that threatens regional and global stability.
In a statement released on Saturday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian government condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iran, warning that such actions dangerously escalate hostilities between the two nations.
The statement highlighted the severity of the current crisis, which has seen sustained missile and aerial exchanges between Israel and Iran. Nigeria warned that continued retaliation poses a grave threat to civilian lives and risks plunging the wider Middle East into further instability, with far-reaching consequences for international peace and economic security.
“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.
“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 escalating conflict reached a new peak on Friday when Israel launched a major air campaign targeting approximately 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear and military installations. Several high-ranking Iranian military officials were killed, including the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, called the Israeli attacks a “declaration of war” and promised a “bitter and painful” response. The Iranian military responded by stating there would be “no limits” to its retaliation.
Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to peace and diplomacy, pledged support for all sincere efforts aimed at calming tensions and restoring stability in the region.
“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 statement continued.
It also called on the international community, especially the United Nations Security Council, to intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and create a framework for meaningful negotiations.
“The path to lasting peace lies in diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law,” the Federal Government emphasized. “Military action is not a substitute for negotiation.”
