Manny Ita –
Nationals of Nigeria and several other countries have been injured in the United Arab Emirates following an alleged attack launched from Iran, according to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defence.
The ministry disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the country’s air defence systems intercepted multiple incoming threats during the incident. The development comes amid escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have spread tensions across several Gulf states and resulted in civilian and military casualties.
According to the defence authorities, UAE air defences engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran on March 14.
“These attacks have resulted in six fatalities of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals, and 141 minor to moderate injuries among nationals of the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Iran, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Ghana, Indonesia, and Sweden,” the statement partly read.
The ministry further stated that since the onset of what it described as “blatant Iranian aggression,” its air defence systems have intercepted a large number of projectiles launched toward the country.
“The defence authorities added that since the onset of what it described as ‘blatant Iranian aggression,’ UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran.”
The ministry maintained that it remains fully prepared to respond to threats against the country and would firmly confront attempts to undermine national security.
It said the armed forces would continue to act in a manner that protects the country’s sovereignty, stability and national interests while safeguarding strategic capabilities.
The development comes days after the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Nigeria) issued a security advisory to Nigerians living in or travelling across Iran and other Gulf countries amid the intensifying conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran.
The advisory was issued in a statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who said the Nigerian government was closely monitoring the volatile security situation in the Middle East and the military exchanges taking place across the region.
The ministry urged Nigerians in the affected countries to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant.
“Maintain Constant Vigilance: All Nigerians in Iran and affected Gulf countries are advised to remain extremely vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Avoid areas known to host strategic, military, or government installations, as these could become potential flashpoints.”
“Limit Movement: Nigerians are strongly advised to restrict non-essential movement and travel within these countries until the security situation becomes clearer and stabilises. Avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations.”
“Follow Local Directives: Citizens are strongly advised to strictly comply with all security and safety directives issued by local authorities to ensure their safety. Cooperation with local law enforcement is paramount.”
“Stay Informed: Keep abreast of news and updates from reliable international and local sources. Be cautious of misinformation and rely on official channels for accurate and critical safety information.”
The escalation in tensions followed earlier strikes by Israel on targets in Tehran and other parts of Iran. Israeli authorities said the attacks had been planned over several months in coordination with the United States and were aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear programme.
The United States subsequently joined the operation, describing the mission as Operation Epic Fury.
Iranian officials had earlier warned that any military action against its territory would trigger retaliation against American military bases located in neighbouring countries across the Gulf. Subsequent reports indicated that additional Iranian missile launches targeted facilities in the region hosting US forces.
Amid the growing tensions, the Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to market-based petrol pricing, stating that it will not introduce price controls despite rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East that have increased volatility in global oil markets.
