More than 140 residents, including Nigerians, were injured after Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the United Arab Emirates, raising fresh concerns for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several of the missiles and drones, describing the attack as a major escalation in ongoing regional tensions. In a statement on its official X handle, the ministry said its units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the assault on March 14, which left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated. “Since the onset of this blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,600 UAVs launched from Iran.”
The casualties included citizens of the UAE as well as foreigners from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. Other affected nationals reportedly include residents from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, India, Iran, Sri Lanka, and more.
The attacks have heightened anxiety among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics, and trade. Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission shows that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
The UAE Ministry of Defence reassured that the country remains fully prepared to confront any threats, stating, “The Ministry of Defence remains fully prepared and ready to deal with any threats and will firmly confront any attempts to undermine state security in a manner that ensures the protection of its sovereignty, security and stability, and safeguards its national interests and capabilities.”
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that US-linked targets in the UAE would remain legitimate, following attacks by US forces on Iranian-controlled islands. Security analysts caution that the ongoing hostilities could destabilise the Gulf region, impacting economic and aviation activities if the conflict escalates further.
As of this report, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued an official statement on the incident.