President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s government of Nigeria has denounced Israel’s recent assault on Iran, characterising it as an action that has perilously heightened tensions between the two countries.
In a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the federal government conveyed profound concern regarding the escalating hostilities, which have included ongoing missile and aerial strikes exchanged by Iran and Israel.
The Nigerian government called for an immediate cessation of the violence and urged both nations to exercise utmost restraint.
As per the statement, ongoing retaliation endangers not only civilian lives but also poses a threat to the stability of the broader Middle East, with significant implications for international peace and economic stability.
“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.
“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,” Ebienfa stated.
Reiterating its enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence and the diplomatic resolution of disputes, the FG emphasised the importance of dialogue over confrontation.
The government further urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts to de-escalate the situation and promote substantive negotiations among the parties involved.
“Military action is not a substitute for negotiation,” the statement read, stressing that enduring peace must be built on diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.
Nigeria pledged its support for all sincere efforts to restore calm and foster peace 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.
“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.
“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,” the statement added.
On Friday, Israel initiated a significant air campaign aimed at approximately 100 locations throughout Iran, which included nuclear and military installations, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian military officials.
Naijaonpoint reports that these strikes represent one of the most considerable escalations between the two nations in recent years, prompting extensive international responses that called for calm and diplomatic efforts to avert further conflict.
Among those who lost their lives were Iran’s 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 Khamenei, described Israel’s series of strikes as a “declaration of war,” warning that Israel would encounter a “bitter and painful” outcome as a result of the attacks, while the Iranian military asserted that there would be “no limits” to its retaliation.