NIGERIA RUSHES TO EVACUATE OVER 2,000 CITIZENS AMID ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH CONFLICT

By Vincess Okushi 

 

 

The Nigerian government is to begin the evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah intensify. 

 

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on October 5, 2024, it said the safety and well-being of Nigerians in Lebanon is the government’s top priority. 

 

The statement, while expressing the relentless efforts of President Tinubu’s administration to actively bring Nigerians home safely, noted that the situation in Lebanon is increasingly dangerous, posing serious threats to Nigerians in Lebanon.

The safety of our citizens is paramount. 

Given the escalating violence, we have activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of Nigerians. said Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, Spokesperson to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

The ministry added that the evacuation is being coordinated by multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), among other Nigerian officials in Beirut, and advised citizens to remain indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions while arrangements are made for their safe return.

 

It, therefore, frowns at why many Nigerians are yet to indicate a willingness to return home, despite ongoing efforts by embassy staff to persuade the estimated more than 2,000 Nigerians currently residing in the country, as over 500 Nigerians have registered with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut to leave.

We understand that some citizens may be reluctant, but the government urges them not to resist evacuation efforts.

The conflict may escalate, and we are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure their safety.  Amb. Eche added.

 

The Nigerian government also uses the medium to express its profound gratitude to the international community for its support and reaffirm its commitment to closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon, even as it confirmed that no Nigerian lives have been lost in the conflict, with plans underway to send a C-130 aircraft or other available flights to facilitate the evacuation, particularly for those stranded in southern Lebanon, the epicenter of the conflict.

We appeal to our citizens in Lebanon to cooperate with the evacuation process and adhere to safety guidelines. We must ensure that every Nigerian returns home safelY. The statement concluded.

 

The Nigerian government remains vigilant, working tirelessly to safeguard its citizens during these trying times.

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