By Ayoola babalola
The Federal Government has condemned the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed at least 12 people and injured more than 300 others, warning that the incident threatens civilian safety and regional stability.
Nigeria described the attack, reportedly carried out by Houthi militia, as a dangerous escalation, calling on all parties to respect international law and refrain from actions that could further endanger civilians or damage critical infrastructure.
The government’s position was conveyed in a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, who said the attack violated Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and undermined efforts to promote 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 attack has raised concerns about the security of Saudi Arabia’s aviation infrastructure, with implications for international travellers, including pilgrims who travel to the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah.
Saudi Arabia is the destination for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, with thousands of Nigerian pilgrims travelling through the country’s airports during the pilgrimage season. Nigerian Muslims also make regular Umrah journeys to Makkah and Madinah throughout the year.
Although the Federal Government’s statement did not announce any changes to pilgrimage arrangements or issue a new travel advisory, the developing security situation is likely to attract close attention from pilgrims, airlines and Nigerian pilgrimage authorities.
Nigeria also expressed solidarity with the Saudi government and people, extending condolences to the families of those killed and wishing the injured a speedy and full 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 commended Saudi Arabia’s response to the incident, saying it recognised the authorities’ efforts to protect the population.
“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 came amid reports of further attacks on Saudi airports and other facilities, suggesting a widening threat to civilian and strategic infrastructure as the regional conflict intensifies.
Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority confirmed that King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, in the country’s Eastern Province, had also been attacked, with damage assessments underway. The confirmation followed a claim by the Houthis that they had targeted the airport.
A further projectile reportedly struck a passenger terminal in Riyadh on Sunday, causing a fire and injuring several people. The airport was said to have remained closed following Saturday’s deadly attack.
The Riyadh incident followed other reported attacks on Saudi airports, including Abha, Jazan and Najran.
Earlier reports said an attack on Abha International Airport killed two women, one Moroccan and the other Algerian, and injured 28 people.
The Houthis have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi facilities as hostilities involving the group and Saudi-led forces continue. The circumstances of individual incidents and casualty figures have varied across reports.
The latest escalation has also heightened concerns over the security of regional air travel, oil infrastructure and shipping routes, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and serves as a major maritime corridor.
The security situation has developed alongside efforts by Saudi Arabia to maintain major international events in Riyadh. The World Petroleum Congress was scheduled to begin on Sunday, drawing oil executives, policymakers and foreign officials.
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud indicated that the Kingdom would continue its activities 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 said Saudi Arabia was working on additional pipelines following an earlier attack on the East-West pipeline, although he provided no further details.
The Future Investment Initiative, a major Saudi investment conference, was also scheduled for October 26 to 29, with organisers indicating that it would proceed as planned.
Nigeria, meanwhile, reaffirmed its support for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and protect civilians.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the government remained committed to supporting international peace initiatives and 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.
