The Federal Government of Nigeria has appealed to its citizens in Lebanon who are yet to register with the Embassy for evacuation to do so.
A statement issued late on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe said presently, out of the over 2,000 Nigeria citizens residing in the country, only about 500 have registered with the Mission to be evacuated home.
TheFact Daily had reported of the federal government’s commencement of evacuation procedures for Nigerian citizens living in Lebanon, following the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Mr. Abu-Obe said, in the light of the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, government has activated emergency protocols to ensure the swift and safe evacuation of the citizens back home as soon as possible.
He maintained that even though most of them have not indicated willingness to return home in spite of the persuasion by the Embassy, the government would continue to do everything to ensure their safety.
According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, Department of State Services, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Immigration Service, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and other relevant bodies, is coordinating the evacuation exercise to ensure the safe return of Nigerians from Lebanon.
He said, the Ministry is pleased to report that no life has been lost, adding that in view of the commendable efforts made by the Embassy, working in concert with the leadership of the Nigerian community to evacuate fellow Nigerians from southern Lebanon the epicenter of the conflict to Beirut, the Administration of President Tinubu is making arrangements to send a C130 Aircraft or any other available flight for the evacuation exercise.
“The Nigerian government urges all citizens living In Lebanon not to resist evacuation because the ongoing conflict may escalate and appeals for cooperation with the evacuation process and follow safety guidelines.
“Nigeria appreciates the understanding of the international community and will continue to monitor the situation”, he added.
