The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that more than 500 Nigerian citizens have registered with the Nigerian mission in Lebanon for evacuation back to Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
He noted that around 2,000 Nigerian citizens are currently residing in Lebanon, though the majority have not shown interest in returning home, despite efforts by the mission to persuade them.
Abu-Obe added that the Federal Government has begun evacuation procedures in response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
“President Bola Tinubu’s administration prioritises the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens, and emergency protocols have been activated to ensure their swift and safe evacuation.
“The ministry is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, and Nigerian Immigration Service, to coordinate the evacuation exercise.
“The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has issued advisories urging citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions.”
Abu-Obe urged unregistered citizens to reach out to the embassy via email at info@mfa.gov.ng and cautioned against resisting evacuation, given the worsening conflict.
He also praised the Nigerian community for their understanding and assured them that the government would continue to closely monitor the situation.
