The federal government has condemned Israel’s “pre-emptive” strike on Iran which triggered an escalation of hostilities between the two countries.
On Friday, Israel launched a fusillade of attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear programme and military leadership.
Israeli defence officials said the missiles killed members of Iran’s general staff, including Hossein Salami, commander-in chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard, and several senior nuclear scientists.
In response, Iran unleashed ballistic missiles into Israeli territory as explosions were heard over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Friday night.
In a statement on Saturday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, said the sustained missile and aerial exchanges across Iranian and Israeli territories pose “grave threats” to regional and global peace.
“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 reads.
“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.”
Ebienfa said the cycle of retaliation endangers civilian lives and could plunge the Middle East into deeper instability, with consequences for international security and economic development.
He said Nigeria remains committed to peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, urging all parties 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,” he said.
Ebienfa said military action is not a substitute for negotiation and that peace can only be achieved through 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,” he said.
Meanwhile, global oil price jumped over 7 percent for the first time in over four months on Friday.
According to Reuters, the rise occurred after Israel launched a barrage of strikes against oil-rich Iran, sparking Iranian retaliation and raising worries about a disruption in Middle East oil supplies.
