Nigeria has called for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia, expressing concern over the recent escalation in violence and its implications for regional peace and stability.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further fuel the conflict or endanger civilian lives.
“Nigeria strongly calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, immediately de-escalate the situation, and refrain from any further actions that could inflame hostilities or endanger civilian lives and regional peace and stability,” the statement, signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said.
The ministry stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy, urging all sides to pursue peaceful solutions in line with the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
It warned that any further escalation could undermine security across the Middle East and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The ministry also expressed Nigeria’s readiness to support genuine diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions, restoring stability and promoting lasting peace in the region.
Nigeria’s appeal follows claims by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels that they launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia on Saturday in retaliation for Saudi airstrikes on the strategic Red Sea port city of Hodeida.
Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree said the strikes targeted facilities belonging to Saudi energy giant Aramco in the Red Sea cities of Yanbu and Jizan.
Saudi Arabia’s Civil Defence confirmed that warning sirens were activated several times in both cities early on Saturday but did not provide further details on the reported attacks.
The Houthis have also threatened to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to Saudi-linked shipping, describing the move as a response to the kingdom’s blockade of Yemen and a recent attack on the international airport in the rebel-held capital, Sanaa.
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serving as a key corridor for Middle Eastern oil exports.
Nigeria’s latest statement reflects growing international concern over the renewed tensions, amid fears that a prolonged confrontation could disrupt regional security and global shipping.
