Approximately 500 Nigerian citizens have registered for evacuation with the Nigerian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon due to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite efforts by the embassy to persuade them to return home, it is estimated that over 2,000 Nigerians reside in Lebanon, with many being hesitant to leave.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, confirmed the situation, emphasizing that the embassy is actively working to ensure the safety of Nigerian citizens. President Bola Tinubu has activated emergency evacuation protocols in response to the security threats in Lebanon.
The evacuation process is being coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with various agencies, including the National Emergency Management Agency and the Department of State Services. Plans are in place to deploy aircraft to safely transport Nigerians back home.
Despite the reluctance of some citizens to evacuate, no Nigerian lives have been lost in the conflict. The government, with the assistance of community leaders, is relocating citizens from the conflict zone to safer areas. The ministry has urged all Nigerians in Lebanon to cooperate with the evacuation process, emphasizing the potential escalation of the conflict.
The government’s priority is the safety and well-being of its citizens, and it appreciates the support of the international community during this critical time. The conflict between Iran and Israel has prompted heightened tensions in the region, with Iran launching missiles at Israel in retaliation for militant leader killings.
Efforts are being made to ensure the safe evacuation of Nigerians from Lebanon, and a call to action has been issued for all Nigerians in the area to contact the Nigerian mission for profiling, documentation, and evacuation arrangements.