The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria has condemned Israel's recent airstrikes on Iran, describing the attack as a dangerous escalation of hostilities that threatens peace and stability in the Middle East.
In a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigeria expressed serious concern over the growing conflict, which has seen both nations exchange sustained missile and aerial attacks.
The government called for an immediate halt to the violence and urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
"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 Federal Government warned that continued retaliation not only puts civilian lives at risk but could also destabilize the wider Middle East, leading to serious consequences for global security and economic stability.
"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," MFA said.
Reaffirming its longstanding support for peaceful conflict resolution, Nigeria stressed that dialogue, not military action, remains the only path to lasting peace.
"Military action is not a substitute for negotiation," the statement added, stating that enduring peace can only be achieved through diplomacy, mutual respect, and adherence to international law.
Nigeria also appealed to the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to intensify efforts aimed at de-escalating the crisis and facilitating constructive dialogue between the parties involved.
"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 concluded.
The call for calm comes after Israel launched a massive air campaign on Friday, striking approximately 100 locations across Iran, including nuclear and military sites.
The attack resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian military officials, including Iran's armed forces chief of staff, General Mohammad Bagheri, and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami.
In response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei described the attack as a "declaration of war" and vowed that Israel would face a "bitter and painful" retaliation.
The Iranian military also warned that there would be "no limits" to its response.
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