Escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel have triggered panic among Nigerians in the Middle East, forced the Federal Government to suspend pilgrimages to Israel, and left many travellers stranded in Lagos and other international hubs.
The crisis, which has drawn in the United States and several Gulf nations, has rattled global travel and oil markets, while anxious Nigerians abroad make distress calls home seeking guidance and possible evacuation.
In Israel, over the last 48 hours, a relentless rain of attacks has forced thousands of people into bomb shelters. Families are huddled in the dark, holding their breath, waiting for the sirens to stop. They ran into those shelters to protect themselves and their children.
According to Israel – based non – governmental organisation, ZAKA Tel-Aviv, the barrages of drone attacks are taking tolls on the organisation’s to help the needy in crisis. The storehouses are depleting fast.
It says while the nation takes cover, the volunteers of ZAKA Tel-Aviv are running directly into the chaos.
“When the sky falls and uncertainty rises, our volunteers gear up. They do not have the luxury of remaining in the shelters. They are the vital lifeline for our nation, stepping into danger to bring rescue to others in the most terrifying moments. Whether responding to a direct strike in a city center or searching through the aftermath of a collapsed building, ZAKA Tel-Aviv enters the deepest shadows to bring clarity, dignity, and hope.
“But we are being pushed to the brink. Months of relentless war had already severely depleted our storehouses, and the barrage of the last 48 hours has critically drained what little we had left. To ensure our units can continue responding to immediate, life-or-death,” it stated according to report.
Nigerian Govt Halts Pilgrimage to Israel Over Security Fears
The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel, citing the worsening security situation and the declaration of a state of emergency in Israel.
Executive Secretary of the Commission, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the suspension affects both government-organised and private pilgrimage exercises until normalcy returns.
“The safety and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims remain our top priority,” Adegbite stated, urging Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the wider Middle East.
The decision comes shortly after the Commission concluded its 2025 Main Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, with the last batch of pilgrims arriving safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 3.
Death Toll Mounts as War Intensifies
The conflict, rooted in long-standing tensions over Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme, has escalated dramatically.
Reports indicate that more than 700 Iranian citizens, including family members of Iran’s spiritual leader, Ali Khamenei, have died in the bombardments. In Israel, nine people have reportedly been killed, while the U.S. has confirmed the loss of three soldiers.
Iran has continued retaliatory missile strikes against Israel and countries seen as sympathetic to Washington, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan.
NiDCOM Confirms Distress Calls from Gulf
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) confirmed receiving distress enquiries from Nigerians in Qatar, the UAE and Iran.
Its spokesman, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said callers were seeking information about possible evacuation plans should the crisis deteriorate further.
He assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was working with relevant agencies and advised Nigerians in affected countries to adhere strictly to travel advisories and maintain contact with Nigerian missions.
“The Federal Government is monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to ensure that no Nigerian life is endangered,” he said.
Airspace Closures Leave Travellers Stranded
Over the weekend, several countries — including the UAE, Qatar, Iran, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait and Syria — shut portions of their airspace due to intensifying air strikes.
The development has disrupted international flight routes, forced costly rerouting, and left many Nigerians stranded in Dubai, Doha and other Middle Eastern cities.
Back home, aviation stakeholders are bracing for financial losses.
National President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Ben Nnabue, warned that reduced flight frequencies and cancellations could significantly impact airport revenue and Nigeria’s broader economy.
“Aviation is a global village; what happens in one region affects others,” he said, noting that increased fuel and operational costs from rerouted flights would further strain airlines and airport operators.
IMN Stages Solidarity Protests
Meanwhile, members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), founded by Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, have staged protests in Kano, Kaduna and Lagos in solidarity with Iran.
Security agencies are closely monitoring the demonstrations amid concerns that the foreign conflict could inflame domestic tensions.
Uncertain Days Ahead
As bombings continue and diplomatic tensions escalate, Nigerians both at home and abroad are watching anxiously.
With pilgrimages suspended, flights disrupted and evacuation fears mounting, the Middle East crisis is already casting a long shadow over Nigeria’s travel, religious and economic landscape — underscoring once again how distant wars can hit close to home.
