Amid the US/Israel-Iran war, Nigerians were among more than 140 residents injured after Tehran launched multiple ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As reported on Sunday morning, March 15, by The Punch, the development raised fresh fears for thousands of Nigerians living and working in the Gulf nation.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed on Saturday, March 14, that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones fired from Iran, describing the attack as a major escalation in the ongoing regional tensions.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the ministry said its air defence units engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones during the latest assault, adding that the attacks left six people dead and 141 others injured, including foreign nationals.
The ministry stated: “The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran.” “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.”
UAE’s authorities’ post can be viewed below via X:
According to the ministry, those killed in the attacks included citizens of the UAE as well as foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. Although the authorities did not specify the exact locations where the casualties occurred, the ministry said the injured victims were from several countries, including Nigeria.
Meanwhile, when contacted about the situation, Nigerian resident Yinka Sodiq in the UAE expressed hope for safety, saying he is closely monitoring regional tensions amid reports of increased military activity in the Gulf. He also expressed full confidence in the country’s security measures to safeguard both residents and visitors.
He told Legit.ng: “Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), for now, I am safe. We are also keeping our heads. May Allah continue to protect us all.”
Another resident, Remi Susan, addressed occasional sounds heard in the skies, clarifying that they pose no threat but are part of a defensive system designed to protect the population and secure the UAE’s airspace, a reflection, she said, of the country’s advanced defence capabilities and preparedness.
Susan said: “Yes, there has been a lot of noise in the sky, even from my house. I saw like some missile or drone or whatever. But they have been intercepted. I trust the government.”
