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The Federal Government has condemned a Houthi militia attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, warning that the incident threatens civilian safety and could worsen tensions in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Nigeria considered the attack a “dangerous escalation” that violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and undermined efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, stated this in a statement issued on Sunday, calling on all parties to respect international law and avoid further actions that could widen the conflict.
“Nigeria reiterates its call on all parties to respect international law, exercise utmost restraint, and refrain from any further action that could escalate tensions, endanger civilian lives, damage civilian infrastructure or further undermine regional peace and security,” the statement said.
The Federal Government also expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and extended condolences to families of those killed in the attack, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Nigeria further stressed the need to respect Saudi Arabia’s territorial integrity and protect civilian lives and critical infrastructure, including facilities essential to public safety.
The government commended Saudi authorities for their emergency response at the airport and their efforts to protect lives and maintain security across the kingdom.
It also reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for diplomatic initiatives and constructive dialogue to prevent further violence, protect civilians and restore stability in the Middle East.
According to AFP, the attack killed 12 people and injured hundreds, making it the deadliest strike on Saudi soil in more than a decade.
The report added that the Saudi-led coalition vowed a decisive response against Yemen’s Houthi fighters on Sunday, raising fears of further military action.
The latest attack came amid a renewed wave of Houthi strikes against Saudi Arabia after a truce in the group’s long-running conflict with Yemen’s Saudi-backed government unravelled in July.
The escalating violence has heightened concerns about a wider regional conflict, with United States President Donald Trump signalling that Washington could join military action against the Houthis.
