Tensions in the Middle East have escalated as the United Arab Emirates confirmed it has intercepted hundreds of missiles launched from Iran. The development has raised global concern, especially as foreign nationals, including Nigerians, remain stranded across several Gulf countries.
According to officials, the Iran missile attacks on UAE began shortly after the war erupted on February 28. The attacks are believed to be retaliation for alleged cooperation between the UAE and the United States.
The UAE government disclosed that its air defence systems have been working continuously to protect the country. However, the situation has already caused casualties and heightened fears across the region.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the UAE Ministry of Defence said a total of 262 ballistic missiles had been detected since the conflict began. Fortunately, most of the missiles were successfully intercepted before reaching their targets.
“Of the 262 missiles, 241 were destroyed, while 19 fell into the sea, and two fell on the country’s territory,” the ministry said.
However, despite the interceptions, the attacks still resulted in casualties and injuries among residents.
“These attacks resulted in 6 deaths of Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationalities, and 122 cases of minor and moderate injuries of Emirati, Egyptian, Sudanese, Ethiopian, Filipino, Pakistani, Iranian, Indian, Bangladeshi, Sri Lankan, Azerbaijani, Yemeni, Ugandan, Eritrean, Lebanese, Afghan, Bahraini, Comorian, Turkish, Iraqi, Nepalese, Nigerian, Omani, Jordanian, and Palestinian nationalities,” the ministry added.
Officials did not provide details about how many individuals from each nationality were affected. Meanwhile, the situation remains tense as additional threats continue to be reported. On Wednesday, the UAE defence minister confirmed that more missiles and drones were detected and intercepted.
However, the government maintained that its defence systems remain fully prepared. Authorities also reassured residents and foreign nationals that national security remains a top priority.
As the conflict intensifies, many Nigerians living or travelling in the Gulf region have expressed concern about their safety. Several stranded Nigerians are now calling on the Federal Government to arrange emergency evacuation flights.
Many travellers reportedly remain stuck in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. These countries serve as major transit and tourism hubs for Nigerians travelling to other parts of the world.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has indicated that evacuation plans are being prepared. The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, addressed the situation recently.
She explained that evacuation flights would begin once conditions allow safe travel. According to her, Nigeria will begin repatriating its citizens once “the airspace opens”.
However, it remains unclear how many Nigerians are currently stranded in Iran or other countries affected by the crisis. The escalating situation has raised fears that the conflict could spread further across the Middle East.
Moreover, the Gulf region plays a crucial role in global trade and energy supply. Therefore, prolonged conflict could have serious economic and humanitarian consequences.
For now, authorities in the UAE say their air defence systems remain on high alert. Meanwhile, stranded citizens from several countries, including Nigeria, continue to wait anxiously for a safe way home.
