The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that over 500 Nigerian citizens have registered with the Nigerian mission in Lebanon for evacuation back to the country.
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Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the ministry’s spokesperson, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday.
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He said approximately 2,000 Nigerian citizens reside in Lebanon, although most have not expressed willingness to return home despite persuasion from the mission.
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Abu-Obe stated that the Federal Government had initiated evacuation procedures due 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.
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“The ministry is collaborating with relevant agencies, including the Presidency, National Emergency Management Agency, and Nigerian Immigration Service, to coordinate the evacuation exercise.
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“The Nigerian Embassy in Beirut has issued advisories urging citizens to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ instructions.”
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Abu-Obe appealed to unregistered citizens to contact the embassy via email ([email protected]) and warned against resisting evacuation due to the escalating conflict.
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He commended the Nigerian community’s understanding and assured continued government monitoring of the situation.
