Nigerians Injured as Iran Launches Missile and Drone Attacks on UAE

Several Nigerians were among more than 140 people injured after a wave of missiles and drones launched from Iran struck the United Arab Emirates, in what authorities described as a major escalation of tensions in the Gulf region.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its air defence systems intercepted multiple projectiles during the March 14 assault, including nine ballistic missiles and 33 unmanned aerial vehicles.

Despite the interceptions, the attacks resulted in six fatalities and 141 injuries, according to the ministry. Those killed included citizens of the UAE and foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh, while the injured comprised residents from several countries, including Nigeria.

The ministry noted that since the beginning of the hostilities, UAE air defence systems have intercepted a total of 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and more than 1,600 drones launched from Iran.

Although officials did not specify the exact locations of the casualties, the incident has sparked concern among Nigerian communities living in major UAE cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

Thousands of Nigerians reside in the Gulf nation, working in sectors such as construction, hospitality, logistics and retail trade. The country is considered one of the most significant destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East.

Data from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission shows that the UAE hosts a large Nigerian population, many of whom moved there in search of employment opportunities.

The latest attacks have heightened fears among the diaspora community, particularly as regional tensions continue to rise.

The conflict has intensified amid military confrontations involving the United States and Israel, which have reportedly targeted Iranian positions in the region. Analysts say Iran’s missile and drone strikes are part of retaliatory actions against those operations.

Iran’s elite military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has warned that facilities associated with the United States in the UAE—including ports and military installations—could become targets in future strikes.

Meanwhile, UAE authorities said their defence forces remain on high alert and are prepared to respond to any further threats in order to protect national security and maintain stability.

Security analysts warn that continued escalation in the Gulf could disrupt regional trade routes, aviation activities and economic stability if diplomatic efforts fail to ease tensions.