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Abuja has raised the alarm after Nigerians sustained injuries in a wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates.

Several Nigerians are receiving medical treatment in the United Arab Emirates following a significant aerial bombardment launched by Iran on Saturday.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) targeted at the Gulf state. 

While the majority of the projectiles were intercepted, the offensive resulted in six fatalities and 141 injuries across multiple nationalities.

Among the wounded are citizens of Nigeria, Egypt, and several other African and Asian nations. The fatalities, however, were limited to Emirati, Pakistani, Nepali, and Bangladeshi nationals.

Federal Government Issues Safety Advisory

In Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation with growing concern. Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa issued a stern advisory on Saturday, urging Nigerians currently residing in or visiting the Gulf region to maintain constant vigilance.

"The Federal Government is closely monitoring the evolving and volatile situation in the Middle East," the statement noted.

The Ministry directed all Nigerians in the affected areas to avoid military or government installations. These sites have become primary targets in the escalating friction between regional powers. 

Citizens must also comply with all local security directives and restrict non-essential movement until the security climate stabilises.

Regional Escalation

This latest assault marks a sharp spike in hostilities. UAE authorities reported that since the onset of what they described as "blatant Iranian aggression," their defence systems have neutralised 294 ballistic missiles and 1,600 UAVs.

The current wave of violence stems from "Operation Epic Fury," a combined military effort by the United States and Israel aimed at degrading Iranian nuclear capabilities. 

Tehran had previously warned that any strike on its soil would trigger immediate retaliation against American interests and their allies in the neighbourhood.

Macro-economic Impact

The geopolitical crisis continues to exert pressure on global energy supplies. Despite these macro-economic headwinds and the resulting volatility in crude oil prices, the Nigerian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to market-based petrol pricing. 

The Presidency indicated that the government will not introduce price controls, choosing instead to allow market forces to dictate domestic costs.

As the conflict remains fluid, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it will continue to provide updates regarding the safety of Nigerian nationals caught in the crossfire.