In a viral video circulating on social media platforms, one of the affected Nigerians can be seen standing outside what appears to be the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, voicing frustration and fear over the alleged abandonment by diplomatic staff.
A group of stranded Nigerians living in Iran have accused officials of the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran of fleeing their posts and abandoning citizens to their fate, as tensions escalate amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
In a viral video circulating on social media platforms, one of the affected Nigerians can be seen standing outside what appears to be the Nigerian Embassy in Tehran, voicing frustration and fear over the alleged abandonment by diplomatic staff.
“We are Nigerians, we just came to the Nigerian Embassy here in Tehran in respect to the situation as it has been informed that all residents of Tehran should be evacuated,” the speaker in the video says. “And we came to the Nigerian embassy here, at least to see the staff or the ambassador, these are Nigerians also. Some of them are just left.”
The man continues, alleging that no official was present at the embassy to assist or provide information to the citizens.
“We came here, and all of them have abandoned Nigerian citizens to their own fate in Tehran in Iran. That is why we are making this video so that it can go viral that Nigerian Government has abandoned its citizens here. They have abandoned their citizens in Iran. They have all fled,” he says.
He further claims that the embassy staff, including the ambassador, have escaped to an island for safety.
“We have been reliably informed that they all went to…Island, that is where they are now,” he adds.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government on Tuesday announced that it was finalising emergency evacuation plans for Nigerian citizens stranded in Israel and Iran following the recent escalation of hostilities between the two nations.
According to a statement released by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Nigerian embassies in Tel Aviv and Tehran were actively reaching out to affected citizens and coordinating efforts to ensure their safe return.
Nigerians in the affected regions have been urged to strictly adhere to local security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.
The ministry acknowledged the dedication of diplomatic staff in both countries and assured the public of the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad.
It also noted ongoing collaboration with international partners and local authorities to ensure a timely and secure evacuation process.
The statement read in part, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform that following the escalation of the crisis between the State of Israel and the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Federal Government is finalising arrangements for the emergency evacuation of stranded Nigerians in both countries.
“All affected Nigerian citizens are therefore strongly advised to abide by necessary security protocols and contact the nearest Nigerian Embassy or Mission for registration and further instructions.”
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) June 20, 2025
