By Danjuma Amodu
The Federal Government has condemned the reported Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 civilians and injured more than 300 others, warning that the incident could further destabilise the Middle East.
Nigeria, in a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, described the October 10 attack as a dangerous escalation that threatened civilian safety, violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and undermined efforts to restore peace and stability in the region.
The condemnation came amid renewed hostilities between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia, with missile and drone attacks raising concerns about the safety of airports, other civilian infrastructure and regional transport networks. Reuters reported that the October 10 strike was the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia in more than a decade.
Nigeria called on all parties to respect international law, exercise restraint and refrain from actions capable of escalating tensions, endangering civilian lives or damaging critical infrastructure.
Adeniyi said the Federal Government stood in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and extended its condolences to the families of those killed.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and extends its deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack,” the statement said.
Nigeria also wished the injured a speedy and full recovery, while underscoring the need to respect Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The government commended the Saudi authorities for their reported emergency response to the incident, acknowledging their efforts to protect the country’s security and the well-being of its citizens.
Nigeria further reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic initiatives and constructive dialogue, saying it supported genuine efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect civilians and safeguard critical infrastructure across the Middle East.
Renewed Hostilities in Yemen
The attack occurred against the backdrop of a renewed confrontation in Yemen, where the Houthi movement, which controls much of the country’s north, has been fighting Yemen’s internationally recognised government and opposing the Saudi-led military coalition that intervened in the conflict in 2015.
The conflict intensified in 2014 when Houthi fighters seized the capital, Sanaa, triggering a wider war that drew in regional powers and contributed to a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
A United Nations-brokered truce in 2022 helped reduce large-scale fighting, although it expired in October of that year. Subsequent diplomatic efforts sought to secure a nationwide ceasefire and establish a political process, but the conflict remained unresolved. Renewed fighting in 2026 has again heightened tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia has faced repeated threats from Houthi missile and drone operations during the conflict. In the days preceding the October 10 incident, attacks had also targeted King Khalid International Airport and other Saudi airports, causing casualties and damage, according to media reports.
The renewed attacks have heightened concerns about the vulnerability of civilian aviation and the possibility of a broader regional confrontation. British authorities, in updated travel advice issued on October 10, warned of threats to airports and other infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and advised British nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport until it was considered secure.
Nigeria’s position also reflects broader international concerns over the protection of civilians during armed conflicts. International humanitarian law requires parties to distinguish between civilians and combatants and prohibits deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian objects.
The African Union Commission also condemned the reported attack on Sunday, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and calling for an immediate cessation of attacks and urgent de-escalation.
The Nigerian government said it remained committed to supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing international peace, security and stability, stressing that further escalation would endanger civilian lives and undermine regional stability.
