Federal Government has appealed for immediate calm and restraint across the Gulf region following coordinated military attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, warning that further escalation could worsen instability and threaten civilian lives.
Gatekeepers News reports that in the early hours of Saturday, US and Israeli forces carried out missile strikes on several locations in Iran, triggering swift retaliation by Iranian forces against targets in parts of the Gulf. The developments heightened fears of a wider regional conflict, with several countries tightening security and reviewing airspace operations.
Reacting to the situation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, issued a statement calling on all sides to step back from confrontation and embrace dialogue. He urged restraint in both action and rhetoric, stressing that peace and diplomacy remain the only sustainable solutions to the crisis.
“Nigeria calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could intensify hostilities, and to prioritise dialogue over confrontation,” Ebienfa said.
He emphasised the need for strict respect for international law, particularly the principles of the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Convention, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peaceful resolution of disputes. According to him, limiting the use of force is essential to prevent further civilian casualties and preserve global stability.
The statement added that protecting existing international legal frameworks remains crucial for safeguarding vulnerable populations and maintaining global order.
Ebienfa also reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy principles of non-alignment, multilateral cooperation, and constructive engagement, noting that the country remains committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
He welcomed ongoing mediation initiatives and confidence-building measures, encouraging all parties involved to explore peaceful pathways toward resolution in the interest of regional security and shared prosperity.
“The Government of Nigeria stands in solidarity with the international community in its call for calm and remains steadfast in its conviction that sustainable peace can only be secured through diplomacy, mutual respect, and faithful adherence to international law,” he added.
The Federal Government further restated its commitment to promoting peace, stability, and respect for international norms, stressing the importance of collective global action in addressing emerging security threats and preventing further deterioration of the situation.
