By Our Correspondent
National News – Several Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles toward the United Arab Emirates, heightening concerns among Nigerian communities living and working in the Gulf region.
Authorities in the UAE confirmed that their air defence systems intercepted several incoming missiles and drones during the attack, which occurred on March 14.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the latest assault involved nine ballistic missiles and 33 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iranian territory.
Officials said the incident resulted in six deaths and at least 141 injuries, with victims including citizens and foreign nationals residing in the country.
Among those affected were Nigerians alongside residents from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and several other countries.
The ministry stated that its defence units successfully neutralised the majority of the incoming threats, preventing wider destruction.
However, the attack still caused casualties and infrastructural damage in parts of the Gulf nation.
Since the beginning of the current wave of hostilities, UAE defence authorities said they have intercepted hundreds of projectiles, including 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and more than 1,600 drones allegedly launched from Iran.
The development has sparked anxiety among Nigerian migrants in the UAE, where thousands work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and international trade. Many Nigerians are concentrated in major cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora authorities indicates that the UAE remains one of the top destinations for Nigerian workers and entrepreneurs in the Middle East.
The recent missile attacks have therefore raised safety concerns within the diaspora community.
Regional analysts say the strikes are part of a broader escalation of tensions across the Middle East.
Reports suggest Iran launched the attacks in response to military actions by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian positions in the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has also warned that American-linked facilities in the UAE could become potential targets if the confrontation continues.
Security experts caution that continued missile exchanges could threaten regional stability and disrupt aviation, trade and economic activities across the Gulf.
As of the time of this report, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued an official statement regarding the injuries involving Nigerian citizens.
