The Federal Government has denounced the deadly assault on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly left at least 12 people dead and over 300 others injured, describing the incident as a threat to civilian lives and regional stability.
Nigeria characterised the reported attack by Houthi militia as a dangerous escalation and urged all parties to abide by international law and avoid actions that could put civilians at greater risk or destroy essential infrastructure.
The government’s position was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who said the incident violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and weakened ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East.
“Nigeria considers this incident a dangerous escalation that flagrantly disregards civilian safety, violates the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and undermines ongoing efforts to promote peace, security, and stability in the Middle East,” Adeniyi said.
He added, “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 incident has triggered concerns over the safety of Saudi Arabia’s aviation facilities, particularly regarding international air travellers, including Muslims visiting the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages.
Saudi Arabia hosts the annual Hajj pilgrimage, attracting thousands of Nigerian pilgrims who pass through its airports during the season. Nigerian Muslims also travel regularly to Makkah and Madinah for Umrah throughout the year.
While the Federal Government did not announce any adjustments to pilgrimage plans or issue a fresh travel advisory, the evolving security situation is expected to remain a major concern for pilgrims, airlines and Nigerian pilgrimage authorities.
Nigeria also expressed support for the Saudi government and its citizens, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and wishing those injured a quick and complete recovery.
“Nigeria underscores the imperative of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as well as upholding international law, particularly the obligations to protect civilian lives and safeguard critical infrastructure,” Adeniyi said.
The government also praised Saudi Arabia’s handling of the incident, acknowledging its efforts to protect the public.
“Nigeria commends the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its prompt emergency response following the incident in King Khalid International Airport and acknowledges its sustained efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s security and protect the lives and well-being of its people,” the statement added.
The condemnation followed reports of additional attacks on Saudi airports and other facilities, raising fears of an expanding threat to civilian and strategic infrastructure as tensions in the region continue to rise.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority confirmed that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, located in the Eastern Province, had also come under attack, with authorities assessing the extent of the damage. The announcement followed a claim by the Houthis that they had targeted the airport.
Another projectile reportedly hit a passenger terminal in Riyadh on Sunday, sparking a fire and leaving several people injured. Reports indicated that the airport had remained closed following Saturday’s deadly incident.
The Riyadh attack came after other reported assaults on Saudi airports, including those in Abha, Jazan and Najran.
Previous reports indicated that an attack on Abha International Airport killed two women, one Moroccan and the other Algerian, while 28 people sustained injuries.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi facilities amid continuing hostilities involving the group and Saudi-led forces. However, accounts of individual incidents and casualty figures have differed across reports.
The latest developments have also intensified concerns about the safety of regional air travel, oil facilities and shipping lanes, particularly the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a crucial international maritime route.
The deteriorating security situation coincides with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to proceed with major international events in Riyadh. The World Petroleum Congress was scheduled to commence on Sunday, bringing together oil industry executives, policymakers and foreign officials.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud indicated that the Kingdom would continue its engagements despite the security challenges.
“There is no way that somebody will break our back. We are like a phoenix; we come out of the ashes all the time,” he told the conference.
He also disclosed that Saudi Arabia was developing plans for additional pipelines following an earlier attack on the East-West pipeline, although he did not provide further information.
The Future Investment Initiative, another major investment conference in Saudi Arabia, was scheduled to hold from October 26 to 29, with organisers maintaining that the event would proceed as planned.
Meanwhile, Nigeria reiterated its backing for diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation and protecting civilian populations.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the government remained committed to supporting international peace efforts and encouraging constructive dialogue.
“In this regard, Nigeria supports all genuine efforts to de-escalate tensions, promote regional stability, protect civilian lives and safeguard critical infrastructure in the Middle East,” Adeniyi said.
