The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has rejected online claims that no distress calls have been received from Nigerians in Iran amid the escalating Middle East conflict.

In a statement issued in Abuja, the NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the comment attributed to the Commission’s spokesman was false.

NIDCOM also provided an update clarifying the actual situation on the ground.

The Commission stated that it has received inquiries from some Nigerians in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran regarding potential evacuation plans if the situation worsens.

“The attention of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has been drawn to a statement credited to the Commission Spokesman … that there are no distress calls from Nigerians stranded in the Middle East due to the ongoing crisis in the region. I never issued such statement,” the notice read.

NIDCOM said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with relevant agencies to take necessary measures if needed.

The Commission further advised Nigerians in the affected countries to adhere to the ministry’s travel advisories and to contact the designated emergency numbers if necessary.

“Nigerians in affected countries should be rest assured that the federal government is monitoring the situation and would take necessary steps to ensure no Nigerian life is endangered,” they stated.

The denial comes amid a deepening conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, marked by joint U.S.–Israeli military strikes on Iranian territory and ongoing retaliatory actions that have significantly escalated tensions in the Middle East.

Last week, the Federal Government issued a travel advisory for Nigerians in Iran and neighboring Gulf states, urging them to exercise caution, limit non-essential travel, and follow local safety guidelines as hostilities escalate.

The advisory came after a series of military exchanges between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted airspace, led to international flight cancellations, and prompted several governments to warn their citizens to remain vigilant.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it remains in constant contact with Nigerian missions in Gulf countries and is actively coordinating with international partners to protect the welfare of citizens abroad.

The conflict began after coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, which have drawn strong retaliatory actions from Iran and its allies across the Middle East, significantly escalating regional tensions.