Several Nigerians were among more than 140 people injured after Iran launched a series of ballistic missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates, raising fresh concerns for thousands of Nigerian residents living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted multiple missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles during the attack, describing it as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the ministry said its defence units intercepted nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones fired from Iran during the latest assault on March 14.
According to the ministry, the attacks resulted in six deaths and left 141 people injured, including several foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry said.
It added that since the beginning of what it described as “Iranian aggression,” the country’s air defences have intercepted 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and about 1,600 drones launched from Iran.
Among those killed were citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from countries such as Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Although authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry confirmed that some of the injured victims were Nigerians.
Other affected residents were reported to be from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and several other countries including Ghana, Indonesia and Sweden.
The incident has triggered anxiety among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and trade.
Data from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission shows that the UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The development comes amid rising military tensions across the Gulf region.
Regional media reports indicate that the strikes are part of a broader escalation involving Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East. According to reports, Iran carried out the attacks in retaliation for military operations by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian positions in the region.
Reports also suggested that Iran launched strikes against several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, late on Friday and into Saturday.
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Meanwhile, Iran’s elite military unit, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned that US-linked interests in the UAE could remain potential targets.
Iranian state media said the group issued the warning after US forces allegedly attacked Iranian-controlled islands.
The group reportedly listed ports, docks and military facilities connected to the United States as possible targets and advised residents in the UAE to avoid areas near such installations.
Security experts have warned that the increasing exchange of threats and attacks across the Gulf could destabilise economic activities and aviation operations if the conflict continues to escalate.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued an official statement regarding the attack or the condition of Nigerian citizens affected by the incident.
