Nigerians Injured in Iran Injured Attack on UAE

Several Nigerians are among the 141 people injured after Iran unleashed a barrage of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles on the United Arab Emirates on March 14, 2026.

NaijaChoice News reports that the strikes triggered widespread panic, infrastructural damage and major disruptions across affected areas, with emergency responders rushing to treat victims and secure the sites.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident in a statement, revealing that its air defence systems engaged nine ballistic missiles and 33 UAVs launched from Iran during the assault. The ministry added that, since the start of Iranian aggression in the ongoing 2026 conflict, UAE defences have intercepted a total of 294 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,600 UAVs.

At least six people lost their lives in the attacks, including UAE nationals as well as citizens from Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The 141 injured victims hail from multiple countries, with Nigerians explicitly listed among those affected alongside people from Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and several others including Uganda, Ghana and Indonesia.

Many of the injured, including the Nigerian victims, sustained injuries of varying degrees and received immediate medical attention as chaos engulfed parts of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates. Reports indicate that falling debris from intercepted projectiles and secondary explosions contributed to the casualties and damage to residential areas, ports and infrastructure linked to US interests.

This latest escalation forms part of Iran’s retaliatory campaign following US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets earlier in the year. Tehran has targeted Gulf nations hosting American assets, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warning residents near ports and military facilities to evacuate to avoid civilian harm.

The development has sparked fresh fears among Nigeria’s large diaspora in the UAE, where thousands of citizens work in construction, hospitality, logistics, trade and other sectors, particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Community leaders and affected families have expressed worries over safety, with some calling on the Nigerian government to prepare contingency plans or evacuation support.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to issue an official statement on the welfare of its citizens caught in the crossfire, though earlier diplomatic concerns had already been raised about the safety of Nigerians in the Gulf amid regional tensions.

UAE authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the damage and provide detailed updates on the nationalities of those affected. Emergency services remain on high alert as the country braces for possible further threats.