Nigeria condemns Houthi attack on Saudi civilians, calls for diplomacy

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria has denounced a Houthi attack on civilian targets in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region that wounded 11 people, including a woman and a 4-year-old child, calling it a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law” and urging restraint and intensified diplomacy.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja said it “expresses serious concerns over the recent attack carried out by the Houthis against civilian targets in the Najran Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” noting the injuries to civilians, including women and children.

The ministry framed the assault as part of a broader pattern of violence that must be rejected, stating, “Attacks that deliberately target civilian populations and civilian infrastructure, irrespective of the perpetrator, are unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned by the international community.”

Aligning with its usual approach to conflicts involving civilian harm, Nigeria reaffirmed its “unwavering rejection of the escalation of violence in the region” and called on all parties to “exercise maximum restraint, respect international law, and prioritise the protection of civilians.”

The statement also urged “renewed and intensified diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful and sustainable resolution of the ongoing conflict in a manner that upholds the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of all States in the region.”

Abuja said it remains “closely seised of developments” and would “continue to work with regional and international partners in support of peace, security, and stability in the Gulf and the wider Middle East,” signaling Nigeria’s intent to stay engaged on Gulf security issues through diplomatic channels.