Several Nigerians were among more than 140 people injured after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles at the United Arab Emirates, intensifying tensions in the Gulf region.
The UAE Ministry of Defence disclosed on Saturday that its air defence systems intercepted several missiles and drones during the latest attack, which occurred on March 14.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the ministry said nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones fired from Iran were engaged by its defence systems.
“The UAE air defence systems on March 14 engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran,” the ministry stated.
Authorities said the attack resulted in six deaths and 141 injuries, including foreign nationals living in the country.
According to the ministry, the victims included citizens of the UAE as well as nationals from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh.
It added that several other residents from different countries were also injured, including Nigerians.
Others affected were from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Iran, among others.
The incident has heightened concerns among Nigerian communities in the UAE, where thousands of citizens reside and work in sectors such as construction, logistics, hospitality and trade.
Data from Nigeria’s diaspora commission indicates that the UAE remains one of the most popular destinations for Nigerian migrants in the Middle East, especially in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
The missile strikes were reported to have caused damage to some infrastructure across parts of the country.
Despite the attack, the UAE Ministry of Defence said its security forces remain fully prepared to respond to threats against the nation.
“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 and stability,” the statement added.
The ministry also confirmed that its defence systems were still intercepting missiles and drones as the situation developed.
“UAE air defences are dealing with Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles and drones,” it said.
Regional media reports suggest the attacks are part of a broader escalation of hostilities involving Iran and Western-backed forces in the Middle East.
Reports indicate that Iran carried out coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.
The attacks were reportedly in response to recent military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions in the region.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that American-linked facilities in the UAE could remain potential targets.
Iranian state media quoted the group as saying that ports, docks and military installations connected to the United States were legitimate targets.
The group also advised civilians to stay away from areas around military facilities and ports to avoid casualties.
Security analysts warn that the rising exchange of threats and attacks could disrupt economic activities and aviation operations across the Gulf if the crisis escalates further.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had yet to release an official statement on the development.
