“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.”
This was the position of Federal Government of Nigeria to Friday’s early morning missile strike launched by Jerusalem on nuclear targets in Tehran, and killing of some key military officials of the Islamic nation.
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who conveyed the position of Abuja on the development in a statement on Saturday, said the government was worried that the strike had triggered a sustained exchange of missiles and aerial assaults between both countries.
Calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urging both parties to exercise utmost restraint in the interest of regional and global peace, the statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, stressing that all parties involved must prioritise dialogue over confrontation.
Abuja, maintained that military action was not a substitute for negotiation, and that the path to lasting peace lay in diplomacy, mutual respect and adherence to international law, saying Nigeria was ready to support any sincere initiatives aimed at promoting peace and de-escalation in the region.
The statement added: “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.
“The continued cycle of retaliation not only endangers civilian lives but threatens to plunge the broader Middle East into further instability, with implications for international security and economic development.
“As a nation deeply committed to the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-aggression, and multilateral diplomacy, Nigeria calls on all involved 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.
“We reiterate that military action is not a substitute for negotiation. The path to lasting peace lies in 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.”
