Nigerian Among 122 Injured in UAE as Iran Launches Fresh Missile and Drone Barrages

 

At least one Nigerian national has been identified among more than 120 people injured in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following recent waves of ballistic missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, according to UAE authorities and reports from Nigerian media.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems intercepted the majority of incoming Iranian projectiles in ongoing retaliatory strikes that began on February 28, 2026. These attacks followed joint U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran. Despite high interception rates, debris from destroyed missiles and drones, along with a limited number of impacts, caused civilian casualties and damage in areas including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

In its latest update, the ministry reported that the cumulative attacks resulted in six deaths—among Emirati, Pakistani, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals—and 122 cases of minor to moderate injuries. The injured include expatriates from a wide range of countries, such as Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Yemen, Uganda, Eritrea, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Comoros, Türkiye, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Jordan, and Palestine.

"At least one Nigerian has been identified among dozens of people injured during the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles in the UAE amid escalating tensions in the Middle East," Nigerian outlets including Daily Trust and Vanguard reported, citing UAE statements.

The "fresh" barrages referenced in recent reports include episodes where Iran fired dozens of missiles and drones in single waves, with UAE defences responding actively. For instance, one recent incident involved the interception of multiple ballistic missiles and drones, though falling debris led to explosions, fires, and injuries in populated zones. Earlier in the conflict, strikes targeted U.S. military facilities in the UAE, such as Al Dhafra Air Base, but civilian areas have also been affected.

Iran has described its actions as retaliation for perceived aggression involving UAE-based assets. The UAE has emphasized its commitment to defending sovereignty and protecting residents, many of whom are expatriate workers from Asia, Africa, and beyond.

The Nigerian community in the UAE—estimated in the hundreds of thousands, many working in construction, hospitality, and other sectors—has been urged to stay vigilant and follow local safety advisories. No fatalities among Nigerians have been reported so far.

This incident highlights the risks faced by foreign workers in the Gulf amid the broadening regional conflict. Diplomatic sources indicate ongoing efforts to de-escalate, though fresh strikes continue to raise concerns about wider instability.

The situation remains fluid, with UAE air defences on high alert.