Missile Strikes on UAE Leave Nigerians Injured as Iran Escalates Gulf Tensions
Several Nigerians have been injured after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and drones targeting the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in what authorities described as a significant escalation of hostilities in the Gulf region.
According to information gathered by Global Mirror News, more than 140 residents were wounded when Iranian forces carried out coordinated missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks on the UAE on Saturday.
The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted multiple incoming threats during the assault on March 14. In a statement posted on its official X handle, the Ministry said nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones fired from Iran were engaged by its defence units.
The Ministry disclosed that the attack left six people dead and 141 others injured, including several foreign Nationals. Among those affected were residents from Nigeria, raising fresh concerns over the safety of thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf Nation.
Authorities said the casualties included both Emirati citizens and foreign workers from several Countries such as Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, while the injured also included individuals from Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka and others.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the Ministry stated.
It added that since the beginning of what it described as “blatant Iranian aggression,” the Country’s defence systems had intercepted 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and more than 1,600 drones launched from Iran.
The incident has sparked anxiety among Nigerian communities across the UAE, particularly in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, where thousands of Nigerians reside and work in sectors including construction, hospitality, logistics and international trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora authorities indicates that the UAE remains one of the largest destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East.
Global Mirror News reports that concerns over the welfare of Nigerians in the Country have persisted in recent years due to diplomatic tensions and visa restrictions that previously affected Nigerian travellers.
Saturday’s missile strikes have now heightened fears among the diaspora as the Gulf region faces a growing cycle of Military confrontations.
The UAE Ministry of Defence, however, assured residents that the Country remained prepared to defend its territory and respond to any threats to National security.
“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,” the statement read.
In a follow-up update, the Ministry added that its defence systems were still actively intercepting incoming missiles and drones.
Regional media reports suggest the strikes are part of a broader escalation of tensions between Iran and Western-backed forces operating in the Middle East.
Iran’s elite Military wing, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also warned that United States interests in the UAE could become legitimate targets following reported attacks on Iranian-controlled positions by US forces.
Iranian State media reported that the group had cautioned residents in the UAE to stay away from ports, docks and Military facilities linked to the United States in order to avoid potential civilian casualties.
Security analysts warn that continued missile exchanges across the Gulf could disrupt aviation routes, economic activities and regional stability if the confrontation intensifies.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued an official statement regarding Nigerians affected by the attacks.
