By Joy Yesufu
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has commenced the evacuation of Nigerian citizens residing in Lebanon due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
A statement signed by the Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu – Obe said the safety and well-being of Nigerians abroad remains the utmost priority for the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The statement also said emergency protocols was activated in response to the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, to ensure the swift and safe return of Nigerian citizens.
He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Presidency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Department of State Security (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and other relevant agencies, are coordinating efforts to ensure the safe evacuation of all Nigerians wishing to return home.
“The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has been issuing regular advisories, urging citizens to remain indoors, follow local authorities’ instructions, and register with the embassy but only approximately 500 Nigerians have registered for evacuation, although over 2,000 Nigerians are believed to be residing in Lebanon.
“While some have expressed hesitation about returning home, the Federal Government continues to encourage all Nigerians in Lebanon to participate in the evacuation process for their safety” the statement said
The spokesperson further said that thus far, no Nigerian lives have been lost in the ongoing conflict while efforts led by the Nigerian Embassy, in collaboration with leaders of the Nigerian community in Lebanon, have successfully relocated many Nigerians from the southern regions, which are at the heart of the conflict, to the relative safety of Beirut.
The statement noted that plans are being finalized to deploy a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft, or another available flight, to evacuate those registered with the embassy urging all Nigerian citizens in Lebanon to cooperate with the evacuation process and heed safety guidelines, as the conflict may worsen in the coming days.
The spokesperson, on behalf of Nigerian Government appreciates the continued support of the international community saying that they will closely monitor the situation to ensure the well-being of its citizens.
He urged those yet to register with the embassy, to do so by emailing info@mfa.gov.ng for further instructions.
