At least one Nigerian has been identified among dozens of people injured during the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles in the United Arab Emirates, authorities said, as tensions continue to escalate across the Gulf region. The development comes amid a growing confrontation involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with retaliatory strikes and heightened security measures raising fears for the safety of civilians and foreign nationals across the region.
Officials confirmed that the UAE has been responding to missile attacks from Iran following accusations that the Gulf nation allowed the United States to launch military operations from American bases located within its territory. The conflict, which began on February 28, has since intensified, prompting widespread concern among residents, travellers, and governments with citizens living in or passing through the region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UAE defence ministry said its air defence systems have detected 262 ballistic missiles fired from Iran since the conflict began. According to the ministry, 241 of the missiles were successfully intercepted and destroyed, while 19 fell into the sea.
Officials further disclosed that two missiles landed within the country’s territory, underscoring the scale of the threat and the ongoing pressure on the country’s defence systems. Authorities reported that the attacks resulted in six deaths involving nationals from several countries, including Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese and Bangladeshi citizens.
In addition to the fatalities, 122 people sustained minor and moderate injuries, affecting individuals from multiple nationalities, including a Nigerian. However, the ministry did not specify how many individuals from each nationality were affected by the strikes or subsequent interceptions.
Providing further updates on the evolving security situation, the UAE defence minister said on Wednesday that the country’s air defence systems were continuing to intercept additional missiles and drones launched from Iran. The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to national security and public safety, stating that “the country remains prepared to counter any threats and protect its national interests.”
The statement underscored that authorities remain vigilant as the crisis unfolds, with defence systems operating around the clock to prevent further damage or casualties.
The ongoing conflict has also raised concerns among foreign nationals living or travelling in the Gulf region, including many Nigerians who use Gulf countries as travel destinations or transit points. Nigerians stranded in countries affected by the crisis have begun calling on the Nigerian government to organise evacuation flights, citing fears about escalating hostilities and the uncertainty surrounding regional airspace closures.
It remains unclear how many Nigerians are currently in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries affected by the conflict. However, Gulf nations such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are widely known as popular destinations for Nigerian travellers, both for tourism and as key transit hubs for international flights.
Responding to the concerns raised by Nigerians in the region, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, said the federal government is ready to begin repatriating citizens once it becomes safe to do so. She explained that logistical planning is already underway, but any evacuation effort would depend on the reopening of restricted airspace.
According to her, “the federal government is prepared to begin repatriating Nigerians stranded in the region once airspace restrictions are lifted.” The statement offered some reassurance to concerned families and citizens awaiting assistance from the Nigerian authorities.
TWO DRONES FALL NEAR DUBAI AIRPORT AS IRAN CRISIS CONTINUES
Meanwhile, authorities in Dubai confirmed that two drones fell in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, injuring four people as the regional crisis entered its twelfth day. According to Dubai’s media office, the drone incident left two Ghanaian nationals and one Bangladeshi national with minor injuries, while one Indian national sustained moderate injuries.
Officials confirmed that despite the incident, air traffic at the airport is continuing as normal, though heightened monitoring and security checks remain in place.
The broader crisis has significantly disrupted aviation operations across the Middle East. The outbreak of hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran has led to the closure of large sections of Middle Eastern airspace due to the threat of missiles and drones.
As a result, airlines around the world have been forced to cancel, reschedule, or reroute flights, affecting global travel schedules. The conflict has also had economic implications, particularly in energy markets, where rising tensions have pushed global fuel prices higher.
Major UAE carriers, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, have resumed some flights since February 28, though both airlines are still operating below full capacity as aviation authorities continue to monitor security conditions across regional airspace.
The drone incident near Dubai International Airport marked another disruption for the airport, which is widely recognised as the world’s busiest airport for international passengers. Last year alone, the airport handled nearly 100 million passengers, making it a crucial hub for global aviation and international travel.
As tensions persist, governments, airlines, and security agencies across the region remain on high alert, while thousands of travellers and expatriates continue to monitor developments closely, hoping for a swift de-escalation of hostilities and the restoration of normal travel and security conditions across the Middle East.